STS-92 Crew Interview - Wakata

Abstract

STS-92 Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata is interviewed. He answers questions about his inspiration to become an astronaut, his training, and gives details on the mission, including overviews of the ZI truss, the S-band antenna, the third pressurized mating adapter (PMA-3), the common berthing mechanism, and his part in controlling the robotic arm during the spacewalks. He shares his thoughts on Russia's contribution to the International Space Station (ISS), the role of STS-92 in preparing the ISS for its first resident crew, and the importance of ISS in the future.