{
  "id": 9722154,
  "title": "JAXA Astronaut Makoto Suwa to Board ISS as Early as March 2027",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/jaxa-astronaut-makoto-suwa-to-board-iss-as-early-as-march-2027",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-25T07:13:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Japan News by The Yomiuri Shimbun",
    "slug": "the-japan-news-by-the-yomiuri-shimbun",
    "url": "https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/science-nature/science/20260925-350604/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Makoto Suwa is set to embark on a long-term mission to the International Space Station (ISS) as early as March 2027, according to Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Minister Yoshihiro Seki. This marks Suwa's first journey into space, making him the eighth Japanese astronaut to undertake a lengthy stay at the ISS.\n\nAt 49 years old, Suwa will travel to the ISS onboard the American SpaceX spacecraft \"Crew Dragon.\" His tenure on the ISS will last approximately six months, during which he will engage in scientific experiments and various activities. Prior to this assignment, Suwa served as a senior disaster risk reduction specialist at the World Bank, holding the title of JAXA's oldest astronaut candidate since 2023.\n\nFollowing his official certification in 2024, Suwa has been undergoing rigorous training in the United States and other countries. Speaking at a press conference after a Cabinet meeting, Seki expressed optimism, stating, \"I hope this long-term stay will contribute to the scientific use of the ISS and future crewed space activities.\"",
  "summary": "Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Makoto Suwa will embark on a long-term stay at the International Space Station (ISS) as early as March next year, Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Minister Yoshihiro Seki announced on Friday.",
  "key_points": [
    "JAXA astronaut Makoto Suwa to fly to ISS in March 2027",
    "49-year-old Suwa to spend six months on ISS",
    "Suwa will conduct scientific experiments and activities"
  ],
  "editors_take": "This mission marks a milestone for Makoto Suwa as he becomes the eighth Japanese astronaut to undertake a lengthy stay at the ISS, contributing to scientific experiments during his six-month tenure.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}