A Young Surgeon and a Seasoned Disaster Specialist

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 desire to inspire children with the wonders of space. Suwa, a seasoned disaster risk management specialist at the World Bank, spoke of his ambition to contribute to the ongoing advancements in space exploration.

Both astronauts underwent rigorous training, both within Japan and abroad, before officially receiving their certifications on October 22nd. JAXA astronaut group leader Norishige Kanai expressed his pride in their achievements, highlighting their dedication and hard work throughout the training process.

With their certifications, Yoneda and Suwa become the 13th and 14th astronauts in JAXA's history, bringing the number of active astronauts to seven. Their journey continues as they undergo further training in preparation for future space missions.

One potential mission on the horizon is NASA's Artemis program, a manned lunar exploration project. If selected, Yoneda and Suwa could become the first Japanese astronauts to walk on the moon, a historic feat that would mark a significant milestone in Japan's space exploration endeavors.

As they embark on their new roles, Yoneda and Suwa represent the future of Japan's space program, carrying the hopes and aspirations of a nation eager to reach for the stars. Their diverse backgrounds and unwavering dedication promise to contribute significantly to the advancement of space exploration and inspire generations to come.