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Koichi WakataAstronaut
Date of Birth: 01.08.1963
Country:  Japan |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Career at Japan Airlines
- Astronaut Career
- Space Missions
- STS-92 (2000)
- Total Spaceflight Time
- Honors and Awards
Early Life and Education
Koichi Wakata was born on August 1, 1963, in Omiya, Saitama Prefecture, Japan. He graduated from Urawa High School in Saitama Prefecture in 1982 and went on to pursue higher education at Kyushu University. Wakata earned his Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics in 1987 and his Master of Science in Mechanics in 1989.
Career at Japan Airlines
After completing his studies, Wakata joined Japan Airlines (JAL) in 1989, where he conducted research and development work.
Astronaut Career
Selection and TrainingIn June 1992, Wakata was selected as an astronaut for the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA). He underwent basic astronaut training at NASA's Johnson Space Center from August 1992 to August 1993.
Space Missions
STS-72 (1996)Wakata's first space mission was as a mission specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour during the STS-72 mission from January 11 to 20, 1996. The mission's primary objective was to conduct experiments with deployable spacecraft.
STS-92 (2000)
Wakata's second space mission was as a mission specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery during the STS-92 mission from October 11 to 24, 2000. The mission aimed to deliver supplies to the International Space Station and perform assembly work.
Total Spaceflight Time
Wakata has completed two spaceflights, totaling 21 days, 19 hours, 43 minutes, and 22 seconds in space.
Honors and Awards
- NASA Space Flight Medals (1996, 2000)Personal Life
Wakata is married to Stefanie von Sachsen-Altenburg, and they have one son. His hobbies include baseball, tennis, and flying.
