Arab News Japan

Japan’s Takuya Onishi landed on the International Space Station (ISS) and was the first to hug the waiting crew. It also marked the start of Onishi and three other astronauts’ long-term stay on the Crew Dragon spacecraft.

Speaking at a ceremony held later, the 49-year-old Japanese said he was able to return to the ISS with lots of energy.

“I was able to return to the ISS with lots of energy,” said Onishi. “From tomorrow, I’ll work hard on various tasks, including science at the (Japanese experiment module) Kibo.”

During his stay, Onishi will install a new carbon dioxide removal system developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency on the ISS’s Kibo laboratory module, and conduct experiments to prepare for future manned space exploration.

He will take over command of the ISS, the third Japanese to assume the role, following Wakata Koichi and Hoshide Akihiko.

Onishi completed his second flight to space, after his first in 2016. The SpaceX Crew-10 mission was launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in the U.S. state of Florida on Friday afternoon local time.

Ahead of his departure to space, Onishi said: “I believe this will be my last trip to the ISS. It will be a culmination of the experience, insights and knowledge I have gained so far.”

The ISS is set to end its service life in 2030.

(With inputs from agencies)