Akihiko Hoshide performed the first spacewalk by a Japanese astronaut on August 30, 2012, while serving as a crew member on the International Space Station. Born in Setagaya, Japan, in 1968, he became a central figure in Japan's space program, eventually commanding the International Space Station during Expedition 65 in 2021.
Education and Early Career
Hoshide completed his secondary education at the Meikei Gakuen Junior and Senior High School and earned an International Baccalaureate Diploma from the United World College of South East Asia in 1987. He later received a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Keio University in 1992. In 1997, he obtained a Master of Science degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Houston. He began his professional career with the National Space Development Agency of Japan in 1992, where he spent two years working on the H-II launch vehicle. From 1994 to 1999, he served as an astronaut support engineer, notably assisting Koichi Wakata during his training and flight on STS-72.
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In February 1999, the National Space Development Agency selected Hoshide as a candidate for the International Space Station program. He entered basic training in April 1999 and achieved certification as an astronaut in January 2001. His subsequent training included preparation for the Japanese Experiment Module Kibō and the H-II Transfer Vehicle. Beyond standard orbital training, Hoshide participated in specialized environments to simulate spaceflight conditions, including the NEEMO 18 underwater mission in 2014 and the 2016 CAVE mission, which involved two weeks of subterranean exploration.
Shuttle Missions and Expedition Service
Hoshide first entered orbit as a mission specialist on STS-124, which launched on May 31, 2008. During this mission, he assisted in the robotic installation of the Japanese Experiment Module-Pressurised Module. In 2012, he served on Expedition 32 and 33, launching aboard Soyuz TMA-05M on July 15. During this time, he conducted three spacewalks, totaling 21 hours and 23 minutes, and assisted in capturing the SpaceX Cargo Dragon CRS-1 spacecraft. In 2021, he launched for his third mission aboard SpaceX Crew-2, where he served as a flight engineer and commander of the International Space Station.
Fast facts
- Born: 1968, Setagaya, Japan
- Education: Keio University, University of Houston
- Space Shuttle Mission: STS-124
- ISS Expedition Commander: 2021
- First Spacewalk: August 30, 2012
- Language: Japanese
Questions readers ask
Did Akihiko Hoshide command the International Space Station?
Yes, he served as the commander of the International Space Station during Expedition 65 in 2021.
How many spacewalks has he conducted?
He has performed three spacewalks during his career, accumulating a total of 21 hours and 23 minutes outside the station.
Achievements
- Affiliated with National Space Development Agency and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
- Educated at University of Houston, Keio University and Meikei Gakuen Junior and Senior High School
- Worked as astronaut
