A part of the venue used for the astronaut selection test that JAXA = Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency has been conducting since last year was released on the night of the 19th.
The "Space Exploration Field" that can simulate the environment of the moon and planets at the JAXA Institute of Space and Astronautical Science in Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture was released.
JAXA has been conducting a test to select astronauts since April last year, and the open area will be used as the venue for the final selection that started this month, using lighting and sand to simulate the surface of the moon. .
The test takers worked on tasks such as running a small rover that they made in this area by remote control.
Kaoru Sasaki, Director of JAXA's Public Relations Department, said, "I believe that the applicants were able to get a real feel for the activities that include the challenges of a new age on the moon."
A record number of 4,127 people applied for the astronaut selection test, and 10 people, 8 men and 2 women, who have been narrowed down through interviews and physical fitness tests, have made it to the final selection.
Successful applicants will be announced at the end of next month, and it will be the first new Japanese astronaut in 14 years since three astronauts, including Kimiya Yui, were selected in 2009. increase.