Commanding the International Space Station during Expedition 39 in 2014, Koichi Wakata became the first Japanese astronaut to lead a long-duration orbital mission. His career reflects decades of integration into the global space infrastructure, evolving from a structural engineer at Japan Airlines into a seasoned specialist who logged over 500 days in space across five distinct missions.
Early Career and Education
Born in 1963 in Ōmiya, Wakata pursued extensive technical training at Kyushu University. He secured a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering in 1987, followed by a Master of Science in Applied Mechanics in 1989. He eventually completed his Doctorate in Aerospace Engineering in 2004. Before his selection as an astronaut candidate by the National Space Development Agency of Japan in 1992, he gained professional experience as a structural engineer for Japan Airlines.
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Wakata developed deep expertise in space robotics early in his career. After training at the NASA Johnson Space Center, he served as the NASDA Assistant Payload Operations Director for the Manipulator Flight Demonstration during STS-85. By December 2000, he had attained the role of NASA robotics instructor astronaut. His operational skills were further tested in July 2006, when he commanded the 10th NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operations mission, a seven-day undersea simulation conducted at the Aquarius laboratory in Florida.
Orbital Missions and Leadership
Wakata's flight experience spans the Space Shuttle, Soyuz, and Crew Dragon vehicles. He debuted on STS-72 in 1996 as the first Japanese mission specialist and later participated in the assembly of the International Space Station during STS-92. His long-duration presence on the ISS included stints during Expeditions 18, 19, and 20, followed by his command of Expedition 39. In 2024, he retired from JAXA to join Axiom Space as an astronaut and Chief Technical Officer for the Asia-Pacific Region.
Fast facts
- Born: 1963, Ōmiya, Japan
- Education: Doctorate in Aerospace Engineering, Kyushu University
- ISS Command: Expedition 39 (2014)
- Career transition: Retired from JAXA in 2024
- Current employer: Axiom Space
- Flight experience: Over 500 days in space
- Aviation experience: Over 2,100 flight hours
- Honors: Kikuchi Kan Prize (2014), Medal For Merit in Space Exploration (2011)
Questions readers ask
What was Wakata's role on Expedition 39?
He served as the commander of the International Space Station, marking the first time a Japanese astronaut held that position.
What is Koichi Wakata's current professional affiliation?
Following his retirement from JAXA in 2024, he joined Axiom Space as an astronaut and Chief Technical Officer for the Asia-Pacific Region.
Achievements
- Educated at Kyushu University
- Worked as engineer, astronaut and aircraft pilot
