
Astronaut Koichi Wakata has become the first Japanese commander of the International Space Station, according to the country's space agency. In a simple ceremony onboard the station, Wakata took over the facility's command from Russian predecessor Oleg Kotov, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency said late Sunday. Most previous ISS commanders have hailed from Russia or the United States. "I am humbled to be assuming command of the station," Wakata said in a video, as he thanked fellow astronauts who were returning to Earth. "We have had unforgettable memories together." Wakata, 50, a veteran of several space missions, left for the ISS in November on Russia's Soyuz rocket, and will serve as the commander until May when he is scheduled to return home. He was joined by what has been billed as the world's first robot astronaut. Kirobo, a pint-sized android equipped with artificial intelligence, was sent as part of a longer-term project to see how a robot can act as a companion for isolated people, particularly to see if it can develop conversational skills.
GMT 16:03 2018 Wednesday ,28 November
Executive Office of Arab Ministers of Communications starts in CairoGMT 09:09 2018 Thursday ,15 November
Syria, Iran discuss enhancing scientific cooperationGMT 09:53 2018 Wednesday ,07 November
Drones bring innovation to Africa, from Morocco to MalawiGMT 11:31 2018 Wednesday ,17 October
Japan high-tech fair CEATEC opens in ChibaGMT 14:03 2018 Monday ,08 October
American scientists awarded 2018 Prize in Economic SciencesGMT 07:35 2018 Monday ,08 October
First foreign space agency opens in Abu DhabiGMT 10:47 2018 Sunday ,07 October
Bahrain hosts World Robotics Olympiad2018GMT 09:20 2018 Thursday ,04 October
UAE participates in World Space WeekMaintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor