NASA Spotlight: Astronaut Soichi NoguchiSoichi Noguchi was selected as an astronaut with the Japan A

NASA Spotlight: Astronaut Soichi NoguchiSoichi Noguchi was selected as an astronaut with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency in 1996. A native of Yokohama, Kanagawa, he is currently a mission specialist for NASA’s SpaceX Crew-1 launch taking flight to the International Space Station on Nov. 14. Soichi will be the first international crewmember on Crew Dragon and the first international partner astronaut to fly aboard three types of orbital spacecraft – the U.S. space shuttle, the Russian Soyuz, and now the SpaceX Crew Dragon! Talk about impressive.He received a B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering in 1989, master’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 1991, Doctor of Philosophy in Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies in 2020, all from the University of Tokyo.Soichi took time from preparing for his historic mission to answer questions about his life and career: You recently earned a doctorate in philosophy.What made you do it?After my second flight, I started this researchabout your sensory system in zero gravity. I used a my own personal video,which I took during my last two flights at the International Space Station. Ihad a lot of interesting discussions amongst young professionals and studentsat the University of Tokyo about the research. It was a fun experience – but Iwould not do it again! Space is a risky business. Why do it?Space IS definitely a risky business. But thereward is higher than the risk so that’s why we take it. Do you have a message for boys and girls in Japanwho are interested in science and engineering?Three words: Space. Is. Waiting.Aside from mission objectives and tasks, what’s apersonal goal for this mission?We have a lot of interesting missions to do, but my personal goal is to returnhome with lots of fun stories.What was it like to get the phone call to becomean astronaut? It was 25 years ago, but I still remember the voice vividly. I got a call fromDr. Mamoru Mohri, the very first JAXA astronaut, and he said “Welcome to theAstronaut Corps.” When I got the call to be part of the Crew-1 mission, I was alot less nervous than when I was assigned to my first mission, but theexcitement remains the same.Can you describe your crew mate Mike Hopkins inone sentence?He is a natural leader that takes care of the team really well, and he’s fun toplay around with.Star Trek or Star Wars?Star Wars… just because!Can you shareyour favorite photo or video that you took in space?My favorite photo is Mount Fuji because I see the mountain almost every daywhen I was a child. It’s definitely breathtaking to see Mount Fuji from space.What personalitems did you decide to pack for launch and why?I have lots of family photos, and I would put it inside my sleep station.Definitely one of the most challenging things about spaceflight is not experiencingzero gravity, not the rocket, but time away from family.How would youdescribe spacewalking outside the space station?It’s an excursion. The view of the Earth is just breathtaking because you arejust one glass away from the vacuum of space. There’s nothing between you andEarth.What are youmost excited about for the future of human space exploration?I would say I’m most excited for interplanetary travel to become more common sothat the school kids can go to Mars on their field trip.What would you say to someone looking to follow inyour footsteps?Don’t worry, be happy!How has spaceflight evolved since your first launchand stay aboard the International Space Station in 2005?This is definitely an exciting moment. We’re starting to see more players inthe game. SpaceX is the frontrunner, but soon we’ll see Boeing, Sierra Nevadaand Axiom. So the International Space Station will soon have more playersinvolved, and it will be a lot more fun!Thank you for your time, Soichi, and good luck on your historic mission! Get to know a bit more about Soichi and his NASA astronaut crew mates Victor Glover, Michael Hopkins, and Shannon Walker in the video above.Watch LIVE launch coverage beginning at 3:30 p.m. EST on Nov. 14 HERE. Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space: http://nasa.tumblr.com -- source link

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