Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Conversation with Astronaut Koichi Wakata

Prime Minister Taro Aso conversed with Dr. Koichi Wakata, an astronaut staying on the International Space Station (ISS), at the Prime Minister's Office.

Astronaut Wakata, who is aboard the space shuttle Discovery launched by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) this March, has been on a long-term mission on the ISS.

Together with students from Omiya-Elementary School in Saitama City, the alma mater of Astronaut Wakata, Prime Minister Aso received a lecture from Dr. Chiaki Mukai, an astronaut severing as the moderator of this event, on outer space, and operated a water-purifying device. Afterwards, the Prime Minister conversed with Astronaut Wakata.

In commenting about the stay in outer space, Astronaut Wakata said, "This 'Kibo' (Japan's laboratory module in space) provides a very quiet and comfortable environment. It has been operating for about a year without any major trouble. I think this testifies to Japan's excellent technological capacity including the aspect of quality management. I am greatly honored to have had the opportunity to do various tasks during my long stay in this excellent laboratory module."

After conversation between Astronaut Wakata and students, Prime Minister Aso said, "I realized that 'Kibo' showcases the cream of Japan's technological wisdom. I wish for your successful completion of the mission over the remaining days and for your safe return to Japan, to the Earth."

Lastly, students spoke to Astronaut Wakata, saying, "We wish for your continuous endeavors on your outer-space mission. We look forward to meeting you at our school, Omiya-Elementary School."