Mukai Chiaki

Mukai Chiaki

Astronaut
Date of Birth: 06.05.1952
Country: Japan

Content:
  1. Chiaki Mukai: A Trailblazing Japanese Astronaut
  2. Medical Career
  3. Astronaut Selection and Training
  4. Space Missions
  5. Scientific Contributions and Recognition
  6. Personal Life

Chiaki Mukai: A Trailblazing Japanese Astronaut

Early Life and Education

Chiaki Naito (later Mukai) was born on May 6, 1952, in Tatebayashi City, Japan. She completed her secondary education at Keio Girls' Senior High School in Tokyo in 1971. In 1977, she obtained her medical degree from Keio University School of Medicine, and later earned a doctorate in physiology from the same institution in 1988.

Medical Career

After completing her medical studies, Mukai underwent surgical training at Keio University Hospital from 1977 to 1978. She worked as a surgeon at Shimizu Municipal Hospital in 1978 and Kanagawa Prefectural Hospital in 1979. In 1980, she joined Keio University Hospital as a cardiac surgeon and remained there until 1982. Subsequently, she became an attending surgeon at Uchinoura Municipal Hospital.

Astronaut Selection and Training

In 1985, Mukai was selected for the first Japanese astronaut team (NASDA Group #1). She received training at the Johnson Space Center as a payload specialist for the STS-47 mission aboard the American space shuttle Columbia. After returning to Japan, she continued working for NASA's medical facilities.

Space Missions

Mukai made her first spaceflight from July 8 to 23, 1994, as a payload specialist on the Space Shuttle Columbia (STS-65). She embarked on a second mission in May 1998, aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery (STS-95). Across her two flights, she accumulated a total of 23 days, 15 hours, 38 minutes, and 57 seconds in space.

Scientific Contributions and Recognition

Mukai has authored approximately 60 scientific publications. She is a member of the Aerospace Medical Association and the Japanese Society of Surgeons. She has been honored with two NASDA Outstanding Achievement Medals (1992 and 1994) and the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) de la Vaulx Medal. Mukai is also an honorary citizen of her hometown, Tatebayashi.

Personal Life

Mukai is married to Makio Mukai and uses her married name. She enjoys skiing, mountain climbing, scuba diving, tennis, golf, and traveling.

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