Axiom Space recently welcomed former Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Koichi Wakata as a newly appointed Astronaut and Chief Technical Officer for the Asia-Pacific region.
Koichi is a veteran astronaut with decades of human spaceflight experience, will lead the expansion of Axiom Space’s business and strategic presence in the Asia-Pacific region and contribute to the advancement of Axiom Station, the world’s first commercial space station.
Koichi contributed to the construction of the International Space Station (ISS) and the Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo.” He was the first astronaut to serve as JAXA’s ISS Program Manager and Vice President for Human Space Technology. He officially retired from JAXA on March 31, 2024, finishing out his career in the space agency as senior management for the ISS and lunar exploration programs.
Koichi’s astronaut career includes five missions, more than any Japanese astronaut, logging 504 days in space on four different spacecraft (Space Shuttle; Soyuz; SpaceX Crew Dragon; the ISS). His ISS space assignments include three long-duration missions, serving as the first Japanese ISS Commander, two spacewalks for a total of 14 hours and two minutes, and operations of four robotic systems.
Koichi holds a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, a Master of Science in Applied Mechanics and a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
Koichi participated in the Astronaut panel session in the opening plenary session of the Indo-Pacific Space and Earth Conference (IPSEC) 2024 which took place in Perth, Western Australia during WA Space Week 26-28 November, alongside the Asia Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum.
IPSEC brings together leading experts, innovators, and industry professionals to explore the intersection of space technology and terrestrial applications. This high-profile event is a key gathering for professionals from diverse sectors, including mining, agriculture, cyber, defence, AI, environmental management, and more.
With a focus on cross-sectoral collaboration, IPSEC will address how emerging space technologies are transforming industries on Earth. The conference will feature a stellar lineup of over 100 speakers and panellists from global space agencies such as NASA and JAXA, as well as high-ranking industry leaders.
Principal Partner is the Western Australian Department of Jobs, Science, Tourism & Innovation and Foundation Sponsor Business Events Perth.
For more information visit https://spaceandearthconference.com/
