After a simple change of command ceremony, Koichi Wakata has become the first Japanese astronaut to hold the command of the International Space Station (ISS).
Wakata, aged 50, is an astronaut from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Back in 2009, Wakata made history as the first Japanese crew member of an ISS mission. He took part in Expeditions 18, 20 and 20. He has also taken part in a number of space shuttle missions including the STS-119 and the STS-127. He was assigned as a Flight Engineer in the ISS Expedition 38 and he is now in command of the current ISS mission Expedition 39.
The command of the space station was turned over by Oleg Kotov, the commander of ISS Expedition 38, in a simple ceremony aboard the space station.
"On Sunday, Kotov passed the helm of the station to Wakata during a Change of Command ceremony," said NASA. "Monday's departure of Kotov, Hopkins and Ryazanskiy will signal the end of Expedition 38 and the beginning of Expedition 39 under the leadership of Wakata, the first Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut to command the station. Wakata, Mastracchio and Tyurin, who arrived at the orbiting complex Nov. 7, will remain aboard the station until mid-May."
After receiving command of the space station, Wakata was congratulated by many Japanese citizens. The Japanese astronaut was also commended by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and a number of other government officials from Japan.
"I am humbled to assume the command of the space station," said Wakata during change of command ceremony that was broadcast by NASA TV.
Most of the commanders of ISS expeditions either come from NASA or the Russian Space Agency. Wakata's command of the station marks the third time that the post has been held by a non-Russian and non-NASA astronaut. Back in 2009, the command of the station was held by Frank DeWinne, an astronaut from the European Space Agency (ESA). In 2013, the station was commanded by Chris Hadfield, an astronaut from Canada.
As commander of ISS Expedition 38, Wakata will have several important responsibilities. Wakata will be overseeing the important arrival of the Dragon cargo ship from Space Exploration Technologies. The cargo ship will be launched from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on Sunday. After a short flight, the cargo ship will dock with the ISS on March 18.
