SpaceX Delivers Astronauts to ISS in Record Time

NASA astronauts are highly trained U.S. citizens selected by NASA to pilot spacecraft, conduct spacewalks, perform scientific experiments, and support human space exploration missions.[1][4][9] Derived from Greek words meaning "star sailor," they undergo rigorous multi-year training at NASA's Johnson Space Center, including spacecraft systems, robotics, survival skills, medical procedures, and T-38 jet piloting, with requirements like a STEM master's degree, three years of professional experience, and strong leadership abilities.[1][4] They hold specialized roles such as commander, pilot, mission specialist, flight engineer, and science officer, essential for operating the International Space Station (ISS), deploying satellites, maintaining equipment, and researching topics like cancer and human physiology in microgravity.[2][3][4][7] On the ISS, orbiting 240 miles above Earth, crews of 3-6 astronauts work 16-hour days on experiments, maintenance, and two hours of daily exercise to counter muscle and bone loss, while remaining on call 24/7.[4][6][7] Key achievements include advancing the Apollo program's Moon landings, constructing the ISS, and preparing for Artemis missions to the lunar South Pole, where astronauts will explore uncharted areas and conduct novel experiments.[4][5] The corps, comprising civil servants and military detailees with diverse skillsets, also contributes to mission design, crew assignments, and technical leadership.[5] Currently, NASA astronauts operate on the ISS, integrating with international partners via Soyuz or SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, and train for deep-space goals amid evolving needs from test pilots to versatile scientists.[4][5][7] As of recent selections, candidates spend two years in basic training before full qualification, ensuring readiness for Artemis and beyond.[4] (298 words)

**Takuya Onishi** is a prominent Japanese astronaut with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), born in Tokyo in 1975. Selected as an ISS astronaut, he has completed two long-duration missions aboard the International Space Station (ISS), accumulating over 250 days in space.[1] His first mission occurred in 2016 as Flight Engineer for Expeditions 48 and 49, lasting about 113 days. During this time, Onishi became the first Japanese astronaut to capture a Cygnus spacecraft using the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS). He also constructed experimental environments in the Kibo module and conducted experiments for JAXA and international partners.[1] In 2025, Onishi flew on SpaceX's Crew-10 mission for Expeditions 72 and 73, spending approximately 146 days on the ISS from March to August. In April 2025, he became the third Japanese astronaut to serve as ISS Commander, following Koichi Wakata and others.[1][2] Onishi participated in NASA's NEEMO-15 undersea mission for extreme environment training and is certified as a JAXA Flight Director. Post-2016, he managed Kibo operations.[1] Recently, in early August 2025, Onishi reunited with fellow JAXA astronaut Kimiya Yui aboard the ISS, sharing a high-five and embrace during Yui's arrival on Crew-11. Onishi welcomed Yui at a ceremony before handing over duties and returning to Earth shortly after.[2][6] Currently, he contributes to JAXA's human spaceflight efforts, including Kibo management.[1] Onishi's achievements highlight Japan's growing role in international space collaboration, with over 500 days collectively logged by Japanese astronauts like Wakata and Noguchi.[1][4] (298 words)

A European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut is a professional spaceflight crew member selected, trained and managed by the European Space Agency to fly on international human spaceflight missions, conduct scientific research, operate spacecraft systems and represent European participation in crewed space programmes. ESA astronauts come from ESA member states and typically have backgrounds as test pilots, scientists, medical doctors or engineers; they complete core training at the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne and additional mission-specific training with partner agencies such as NASA or Roscosmos[5][1]. Notable roles for ESA astronauts include long‑duration expedition crewmembers aboard the International Space Station (ISS), mission specialists on multinational missions, and leaders of European activities in microgravity research and technology demonstrations; several have commanded the ISS or performed spacewalks while carrying out experiments in biology, physics, human physiology and radiation research[3][1]. Key achievements by ESA astronauts include early Spacelab flights and contributions to shuttle servicing missions, participation in ISS assembly and science (including operation of the Columbus laboratory), and pioneering roles in international collaborations such as Hubble servicing and long‑duration ISS expeditions[5][1]. ESA astronauts remain currently relevant as Europe’s human-spaceflight workforce for ISS expeditions, commercial crew missions and preparatory activities for lunar and deep‑space exploration; recent years have seen multiple European long‑duration missions (for example Alexander Gerst, Luca Parmitano, Thomas Pesquet and Matthias Maurer) and ESA assignments on NASA commercial crew flights[1][3][1]. ESA maintains an active astronaut corps and continues to assign new astronauts to upcoming ISS and exploration missions, reflecting Europe’s ongoing partnership in international human spaceflight[1]. For agency biographies and up‑to‑date mission assignments, ESA’s official astronaut pages provide current details on individual crew members and their flight histories[1][3].