Astronaut Akihiko Hoshide has been assigned a role at the International Space Station that is expected to keep him there for about six months from summer 2012, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency said Wednesday.
Hoshide, 40, is the fourth Japanese astronaut to be selected for a long-term stay aboard the space station, where he is scheduled to engage in the operation of Japan's Kibo laboratory module, the state-run JAXA said.
Earlier this year, Koichi Wakata completed a 4 1/2-month mission aboard the ISS, the longest stint by a Japanese astronaut so far. Compatriots Soichi Noguchi and Satoshi Furukawa will start six-month missions at the station from next month and 2011, respectively.
"I'm just pleased with this decision, which allows me to stay there for such a long time, and I'm bracing myself for it," Hoshide said.
