A Young Surgeon and a Seasoned Disaster Specialist
Ayu Yoneda, 29, and Makoto Suwa, 47, have officially become Japan's youngest and oldest astronauts, respectively. Their journey began in 2023 when JAXA, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, held its first open astronaut recruitment in 14 years. Facing fierce competition from a record 4,127 applicants, Yoneda and Suwa emerged victorious, joining the ranks of Japan's elite space explorers.
Yoneda, a former surgeon at the Japanese Red Cross Medical Center, expressed her excitement at inspiring future generations with the wonders of space. Suwa, a seasoned disaster risk management specialist at the World Bank, shared his desire to contribute to the ongoing advancements in space exploration.
Their certification marks the culmination of rigorous training both within and outside Japan. JAXA's astronaut group head, Norishige Kanai, expressed his pride in witnessing their dedication and commitment throughout the process. He emphasized the importance of their contributions in paving the way for a new era of human space exploration.
With their addition, the total number of JAXA astronauts reaches 13, seven of whom are currently active. Yoneda and Suwa will continue their training while awaiting deployment on future space missions. One potential opportunity lies in NASA's Artemis program, a manned lunar probe mission that could see them become the first Japanese astronauts to walk on the moon.
Their diverse backgrounds and unwavering passion for space exploration make Yoneda and Suwa valuable assets to Japan's space program. Their journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring astronauts and a testament to the country's commitment to pushing the boundaries of human exploration.