The selection of Takuya Onishi, 33, and Kimiya Yui, 39, who are to qualify as astronauts after undergoing training at the NASA and elsewhere, will raise to 10 the number of JAXA astronauts. This is the first time new Japanese astronaut candidates have been selected since 1999, when three astronaut candidates were chosen. After being officially recognized as astronauts, the two will engage in scientific experiments at Japan's Kibo space laboratory at the International Space Station, as well as in the maintenance and operations of the station. Onishi and Yui were selected out of 963 applicants after undergoing English language and other knowledge tests, medical, and psychological screenings.
Satnews Daily
February 25th, 2009
JAXA Selects Two New Astronauts
The selection of Takuya Onishi, 33, and Kimiya Yui, 39, who are to qualify as astronauts after undergoing training at the NASA and elsewhere, will raise to 10 the number of JAXA astronauts. This is the first time new Japanese astronaut candidates have been selected since 1999, when three astronaut candidates were chosen. After being officially recognized as astronauts, the two will engage in scientific experiments at Japan's Kibo space laboratory at the International Space Station, as well as in the maintenance and operations of the station. Onishi and Yui were selected out of 963 applicants after undergoing English language and other knowledge tests, medical, and psychological screenings.