S/ Yoneda Ayu, JAXA astronaut (29): I want to be an astronaut who can convey to the younger generation and children the wonder of space and how fun it is to work hard at something.

S/ Suwa Osamu, JAXA astronaut (47): I may just be an astronaut, but I have renewed my determination to always think about what I can do.

Two new astronauts spoke about their aspirations on October 23 after being officially certified as astronauts by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

They will continue their training for spaceflight from their base in Houston, Texas, and are expected to participate in the US-led manned lunar exploration mission ‘Artemis’ in the future.