Astronaut Hoshide Excited About New Mission
Japanese astronaut Hoshide Akihiko has expressed his enthusiasm for his mission on the International Space Station.
Hoshide was speaking in an online news conference.
He will travel to the ISS on the second operational flight of the US spacecraft Crew Dragon, scheduled for April 20 or later.
This will be Hoshide's third space flight, and his first in 9 years.
He will become the second Japanese to serve as commander of the ISS following Wakata Koichi in 2014.
Hoshide said he is eager to complete the mission and hopes to have fun while ensuring safety.
He is likely to spend time with Japanese astronaut Noguchi Soichi, who's been aboard the ISS since November.
Hoshide said he is looking forward to meeting Noguchi and expects to enjoy spending time with him.