April 4, 1964, marks the birth of Satoshi Furukawa in Yokohama, Japan. An experienced surgeon who transitioned into space exploration, he spent years contributing to international research efforts. His career involved both terrestrial medical roles and extensive service as an astronaut, culminating in multiple long-duration missions aboard the International Space Station before his eventual retirement from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.
Medical Background
Before his selection for space missions, Furukawa focused on surgery and anesthesiology. After graduating from Eiko high school in 1983, he earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Tokyo in 1989. He later received a Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Science from the same institution in 2000. Between 1989 and 1999, he held positions at various medical facilities, including JR Tokyo General Hospital, Ibaraki Prefectural Central Hospital, and Sakuragaoka Hospital.
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In February 1999, the National Space Development Agency of Japan chose him as an astronaut candidate. He achieved certification in January 2001 and subsequently focused on developing the Japanese Experiment Module, Kibō. Following the 2003 merger that created JAXA, he completed Soyuz-TMA flight engineer training in Russia and NASA astronaut candidate training at the Johnson Space Center. His preparations included wilderness and water survival courses, as well as T-38 Talon flight training.
Expeditions and Research Missions
Furukawa participated in two long-duration missions to the International Space Station. His first flight, Expedition 28/29, launched via Soyuz TMA-02M in June 2011 and concluded in November of the same year. In 2023, he returned to the station for Expedition 69/70, launching from the Kennedy Space Center aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon and returning to Earth in March 2024. Beyond orbital flights, he served as an aquanaut for the NEEMO 13 project and as a cavenaut for the ESA CAVES training program in Sardinia.
Professional Oversight and Administrative Review
While overseeing a spaceflight analog mission in Tsukuba during 2016 and 2017, Furukawa faced professional scrutiny. Researchers under his supervision fabricated data and psychological assessments, leading JAXA to investigate the project. While the 190 million yen experiment was suspended in 2020 and Furukawa received an official reprimand for his role as supervisor, he was not found personally responsible for the data manipulation and remained eligible for his later spaceflight assignments. He retired from JAXA on March 31, 2026.
Fast facts
- Born: 1964, Yokohama, Japan
- Education: University of Tokyo
- Initial selection: 1999
- NEEMO 13 participation: 2007
- Expedition 28/29: 2011
- Expedition 69/70: 2023-2024
- JAXA retirement: 2026
Questions readers ask
What medical qualifications does he hold?
He holds a Doctor of Medicine and a Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Science from the University of Tokyo.
Did he conduct research undersea?
Yes, he served as an aquanaut during the NEEMO 13 project in 2007.
Achievements
- Educated at University of Tokyo
- Worked as astronaut and surgeon
