JAXA to Recruit Astronauts for 1st Time in 10 Years
February 27, 2008
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, or JAXA, will invite astronauts applications from April, for the first time in 10 years, it was learned Wednesday.
The agency decided on the move as opportunities for Japanese astronauts to work in space are expected to increase with the planned installation of the Japanese experiment module Kibo at the International Space Station, informed sources said.
The previous recruitment was carried out in February 1998, when three astronauts were hired.
Currently, there are eight astronauts at JAXA, including Takao Doi, who is set to go on board the U.S. space shuttle Endeavor in March to work on Kibo’s installation at the ISS.
JAXA will announce details of the recruitment plan on Wednesday afternoon.END