# Koichi Wakata

> Japanese engineer and JAXA astronaut

**Wikidata**: [Q375566](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q375566)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koichi_Wakata)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/koichi-wakata

## Summary
Koichi Wakata is a Japanese engineer and JAXA astronaut who has served as a crew member on the International Space Station, including Expedition 39. He is affiliated with Kyushu University and has received multiple space-related awards.

## Biography
- Born: August 1, 1963 (Japan)
- Nationality: Japanese
- Education: Affiliated with Kyushu University (founded 1911 in Fukuoka, Japan)
- Known for: Serving as a JAXA astronaut and crew member on the International Space Station
- Employer(s): JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), NASA (as part of Astronaut Group 14), Kyushu University
- Field(s): Engineering, astronautics

## Contributions
Koichi Wakata has contributed to space exploration through his role as an astronaut with JAXA. He was part of Expedition 39 to the International Space Station, where he served as a crew member. His participation in space missions has involved spacewalks and scientific research activities aboard the ISS. He has received multiple space-related awards including the NASA Space Flight Medal, the Medal "For Merit in Space Exploration" from the Russian Federation, and the Kikuchi Kan Prize.

## FAQs
- **Where has Koichi Wakata worked?** He has been affiliated with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), NASA as part of Astronaut Group 14, and Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan.
- **What is his primary role?** He serves as a JAXA astronaut and has participated in missions to the International Space Station.
- **What awards has he received?** He has received the NASA Space Flight Medal, the Medal "For Merit in Space Exploration" from the Russian Federation, and the Kikuchi Kan Prize.
- **What was his most notable mission?** He was part of Expedition 39 to the International Space Station.

## Why They Matter
Koichi Wakata's work as an astronaut has contributed to international space cooperation and scientific research aboard the International Space Station. His participation in space missions has advanced our understanding of space travel and has enabled scientific experiments that benefit Earth. As a Japanese astronaut, he represents Japan's growing role in space exploration and has helped strengthen international partnerships in space research.

## Notable For
- Served as a crew member on Expedition 39 to the International Space Station
- Received the NASA Space Flight Medal for his space missions
- Awarded the Medal "For Merit in Space Exploration" by the Russian Federation
- Received the Kikuchi Kan Prize for his contributions to engineering and space exploration
- Was part of NASA Astronaut Group 14 (1992)
- Affiliated with Kyushu University, a leading academic institution in Japan

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Koichi Wakata was born on August 1, 1963, in Japan. He pursued higher education at Kyushu University, a prominent institution located in Fukuoka, Japan. Founded in 1911, Kyushu University has a rich history and is recognized as a major academic center in East Asia. The university has approximately 18,813 students and 4,049 employees as of recent records.

### Career Development
Wakata's career path led him to become an engineer before transitioning to space exploration. He joined the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and was selected as part of NASA Astronaut Group 14 in 1992. This group represented a significant milestone in international space cooperation during the early 1990s.

### Space Missions and Expedition 39
One of Wakata's most notable achievements was serving as a crew member on Expedition 39 to the International Space Station. This mission represented a significant contribution to international space exploration efforts. As part of this expedition, he participated in various scientific activities and spacewalks, contributing to the ongoing research conducted aboard the ISS.

### Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Wakata has received numerous honors recognizing his contributions to space exploration and engineering. He was awarded the NASA Space Flight Medal for his service as an astronaut. Additionally, he received the Medal "For Merit in Space Exploration" from the Russian Federation, highlighting his international recognition in the field. The Kikuchi Kan Prize further acknowledges his achievements in engineering and space-related endeavors.

### Professional Affiliations
Wakata maintains professional affiliations with both Japanese and international organizations. His primary employer is the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), which is responsible for the nation's space program. He also maintains academic connections with Kyushu University, where he likely continues to contribute to research and education in engineering and space sciences.

### Current Status
As of the information available, Wakata remains active in the space program, continuing to contribute to space exploration efforts through his work with JAXA and international space agencies. His career exemplifies the intersection of engineering expertise and space exploration, demonstrating how technical skills can be applied to advance human knowledge and capabilities in space.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. CiNii Research
3. [Source](http://www.spacefacts.de/bios/international/english/wakata_koichi.htm)
4. [Source](http://www.spacefacts.de/mission/english/sts-119.htm)
5. [Source](http://www.spacefacts.de/mission/english/sts-127.htm)
6. [Source](http://www.parabolicarc.com/2021/10/12/japanese-astronaut-to-fly-aboard-spacex-crew-5-spacecraft/)
7. [Source](https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-s-spacex-crew-5-launches-to-international-space-station)
8. [Source](http://iss.jaxa.jp/en/astro/biographies/wakata/index.html)
9. The Fine Art Archive
10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
11. Library of Congress Control Number