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{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2021}}
{{short description|Japanese physician and JAXA astronaut (born 1952)}}
{{short description|Japanese physician and JAXA astronaut (born 1952)}}

{{about|the astronaut born Chiaki Naitou|the unrelated actress of the same name|Yurin (actress)}}
{{about|the astronaut born Chiaki Naitou|the unrelated actress of the same name|Yurin (actress)}}
{{For|the Japanese Go player|Chiaki Mukai (Go player)}}
{{Infobox astronaut
{{Infobox astronaut
| name = Chiaki Mukai
| name = Chiaki Mukai
| image = Chiaki Mukai.jpg
| image = Chiaki Mukai.jpg
| type = [[NASDA]]/[[Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency|JAXA]] Astronaut
| type = [[NASDA]]/[[Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency|JAXA]] astronaut
| nationality = Japanese
| status = Retired
| status = Retired
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1952|5|6}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1952|5|6}}
| birth_place = [[Tatebayashi, Gunma|Tatebayashi]], [[Gunma Prefecture]], Japan
| birth_place = [[Tatebayashi, Gunma|Tatebayashi]], [[Gunma Prefecture]], Japan<ref name="NASA-bio" />
| occupation = [[Physician]]
| occupation = [[Physician]]
| selection = [[List of astronauts by selection#1985|1985 NASDA Group]]
| selection = [[List of astronauts by selection#1985|1985 NASDA Group]]
| time = 23d 15h 39m
| time = 23d 15h 39m
| mission = [[STS-65]], [[STS-95]]
| mission = [[STS-65]], [[STS-95]]
| insignia = [[File:Sts-65-patch.png|55px]] [[File:STS-95 Patch.svg|55px]]
| insignia = [[File:Sts-65-patch.png|55px]] [[File:STS-95 Patch.svg|55px]]
}}
}}
{{Nihongo|'''Chiaki Mukai'''= your mama|向井 千秋|Mukai Chiaki|born May 6, 1952, [[Tatebayashi, Gunma|Tatebayashi]], [[Gunma Prefecture|Gunma]], Japan<ref name="NASA-bio"/>}} is a Japanese physician and [[Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency|JAXA]] astronaut.<ref name="JAXA-bio">{{cite web|url=http://iss.jaxa.jp/en/astro/biographies/mukai/index.html|title=Chiaki Mukai (M.D., Ph.D.)|publisher=JAXA|date=May 2, 2016|access-date=November 23, 2018}}</ref> She was the first Japanese woman in space, the first Japanese citizen to have two [[spaceflight]]s, and the first Asian woman in space.<ref name="NASA-bio"/> Both were [[Space Shuttle]] missions; her first was [[STS-65]] aboard Space Shuttle [[Space Shuttle Columbia|''Columbia'']] in July 1994, which was a [[Spacelab]] mission. Her second spaceflight was [[STS-95]] aboard Space Shuttle [[Space Shuttle Discovery|''Discovery'']] in 1998. In total she has spent 23 days in space.
{{Nihongo|'''Chiaki Mukai'''|向井 千秋|Mukai Chiaki|born May 6, 1952}} is a Japanese physician and [[Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency|JAXA]] astronaut.<ref name="JAXA-bio">{{cite web|url=http://iss.jaxa.jp/en/astro/biographies/mukai/index.html|title=Chiaki Mukai (M.D., Ph.D.)|publisher=JAXA|date=May 2, 2016|access-date=November 23, 2018}}</ref> She was the first Japanese woman in space, the first Japanese citizen to have two [[spaceflight]]s, and the first Asian woman in space.<ref name="NASA-bio" /> Both were [[Space Shuttle]] missions; her first was [[STS-65]] aboard Space Shuttle [[Space Shuttle Columbia|''Columbia'']] in July 1994, which was a [[Spacelab]] mission. Her second spaceflight was [[STS-95]] aboard Space Shuttle [[Space Shuttle Discovery|''Discovery'']] in 1998. In total she has spent 23 days in space.


Mukai was selected to be an astronaut by Japanese national space agency [[National Space Development Agency of Japan|NASDA]] (now called JAXA) in 1985. Prior to this, she was an assistant professor in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery at [[Keio University]], the oldest university in Japan. In 2015, she became Vice President of the [[Tokyo University of Science]].<ref name=vice>[http://www.tus.ac.jp/en/news/archive/20150401.html Project Professor Chiaki Mukai's inauguration as Vice President of the Tokyo University of Science] Tokyo University of Science</ref> In addition, she became JAXA Technical Counselor.<ref name="JAXA-bio"/>
Mukai was selected to be an astronaut by Japanese national space agency [[National Space Development Agency of Japan|NASDA]] (now called JAXA) in 1985. Prior to this, she was an assistant professor in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery at [[Keio University]], the oldest university in Japan. In 2015, she became Vice President of the [[Tokyo University of Science]].<ref name="vice">{{Cite web |title=Project Professor Chiaki Mukai's inauguration as Vice President of the Tokyo University of Science |url=http://www.tus.ac.jp/en/news/archive/20150401.html |access-date=2024-11-08 |website=Tokyo University of Science |language=en}}</ref> In addition, she became JAXA Technical Counselor.<ref name="JAXA-bio" />


== Early life and education ==
== Education ==
Mukai graduated from Keio Girls Senior High School in [[Tokyo]], in 1971. She received her doctorate in [[medicine]], [[Keio University]] School of Medicine, 1977; a doctorate in [[physiology]], Keio University School of Medicine, 1988; board certified as a [[Circulatory system|cardiovascular]] [[Surgery|surgeon]], Japan Surgical Society, 1989.<ref name="NASA-bio"/>
Chiaki Mukai was born in [[Tatebayashi]], [[Gunma Prefecture]]. She graduated from Keio Girls Senior High School in [[Tokyo]] in 1971. She received her doctorate in [[medicine]], [[Keio University]] School of Medicine, 1977; a doctorate in [[physiology]], Keio University School of Medicine, 1988; board certified as a [[Circulatory system|cardiovascular]] [[Surgery|surgeon]], Japan Surgical Society, 1989.<ref name="NASA-bio " />


Mukai is a member of the American Aerospace Medical Association; the Japan Society of Microgravity Applications; Japan Society of Aerospace and Environmental Medicine; Japanese Society for Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery; and the Japan Surgical Society.<ref name="NASA-bio"/>
Mukai is a member of the American Aerospace Medical Association; the Japan Society of Microgravity Applications; the Japan Society of Aerospace and Environmental Medicine; the Japanese Society for Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery; and the Japan Surgical Society.<ref name=" NASA-bio" />


== Medical career ==
== Medical career ==
Mukai has held positions at several hospitals and institutions.<ref name="NASA-bio"/>
Mukai has held positions at several hospitals and institutions.<ref name="NASA-bio" />
*Board-certified for medicine in 1977
*Board-certified for medicine in 1977
*Resident in General Surgery, [[Keio University]] Hospital, Tokyo (1977–1978)
*Resident in General Surgery, [[Keio University]] Hospital, Tokyo (1977–1978)
Line 38: Line 40:


== Astronaut career ==
== Astronaut career ==
[[File:Chiaki-mukai 30468760425 o.jpg|thumb|Chiaki Mukai in Advanced Crew Escape Suits]]
In 1985, Mukai was selected as one of three Japanese [[Payload Specialist]] candidates for the First Material Processing Test (Spacelab-J) which flew aboard [[STS-47]]. She also served as a back-up payload specialist for the Neurolab ([[STS-90]]) mission. Mukai has logged over 566 hours in space. She flew aboard [[STS-65]] in 1994 and [[STS-95]] in 1998. She is the first Japanese woman to fly in space, and the first Japanese citizen to fly twice.<ref name="NASA-bio"/>
In 1985, Mukai was selected as one of three Japanese [[Payload Specialist]] candidates for the First Material Processing Test (Spacelab-J) which flew aboard [[STS-47]]. She also served as a back-up payload specialist for the Neurolab ([[STS-90]]) mission. Mukai has logged over 566 hours in space. She flew aboard [[STS-65]] in 1994 and [[STS-95]] in 1998. She is the first Japanese woman to fly in space, and the first Japanese citizen to fly twice.<ref name="NASA-bio" />


As a NASDA astronaut, she was a visiting scientist at the Division of Cardiovascular Physiology, Space Biomedical Research Institute, [[Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center|NASA Johnson Space Center]], from 1987 to 1988. Mukai has remained a Research Instructor of the Department of Surgery, [[Baylor College of Medicine]], [[Houston, Texas]], since 1992. From 1992 to 1998 she was a visiting associate professor of the Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, and in 1999 was promoted to a visiting professor of the university.<ref name="NASA-bio"/>
As a NASDA astronaut, she was a visiting scientist at the Division of Cardiovascular Physiology, Space Biomedical Research Institute, [[Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center|NASA Johnson Space Center]], from 1987 to 1988. Mukai has remained a Research Instructor of the Department of Surgery, [[Baylor College of Medicine]], [[Houston, Texas]], since 1992. From 1992 to 1998 she was a visiting associate professor of the Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, and in 1999 was promoted to a visiting professor of the university.<ref name="NASA-bio" />


On October 1, 2003, NASDA merged with ISAS ([[Institute of Space and Astronautical Science]]) and NAL ([[National Aerospace Laboratory of Japan]]) and was renamed [[Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency]] (JAXA).
On October 1, 2003, NASDA merged with ISAS ([[Institute of Space and Astronautical Science]]) and NAL ([[National Aerospace Laboratory of Japan]]) and was renamed [[Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency]] (JAXA).


Mukai was assigned the deputy mission scientist for [[STS-107]]. In that capacity she coordinated science operations for this science mission.<ref name="NASA-bio">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/mukai.pdf |title=CHIAKI MUKAI (M.D., PH.D.), JAXA ASTRONAUT (PAYLOAD SPECIALIST) |publisher=NASA |date=October 2003 |access-date=April 14, 2021}}</ref><ref name="SF-bio">[http://www.spacefacts.de/bios/international/english/mukai_chiaki.htm Spacefacts biography of Chiaki Mukai]</ref><ref>Fuji Television's TV drama: [http://wwwz.fujitv.co.jp/mukai-chiaki/index2.html 女の一代記『向井千秋～夢を宇宙に追いかけた人～』] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070120084815/http://wwwz.fujitv.co.jp/mukai-chiaki/index2.html |date=January 20, 2007 }}{{in lang|ja}}</ref> In 2009 Mukai was a visiting lecturer at the [[International Space University]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.isunet.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=39&Itemid=5|title=Visiting Lecturers - ISU|publisher=[[International Space University]]|accessdate=14 December 2010}}</ref>
Mukai was assigned the deputy mission scientist for [[STS-107]]. In that capacity she coordinated science operations for this science mission.<ref name="NASA-bio">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/mukai.pdf |title=CHIAKI MUKAI (M.D., PH.D.), JAXA ASTRONAUT (PAYLOAD SPECIALIST) |publisher=NASA |date=October 2003 |access-date=April 14, 2021}}</ref><ref name="SF-bio">[http://www.spacefacts.de/bios/international/english/mukai_chiaki.htm Spacefacts biography of Chiaki Mukai]</ref><ref>Fuji Television's TV drama: [http://wwwz.fujitv.co.jp/mukai-chiaki/index2.html 女の一代記『向井千秋～夢を宇宙に追いかけた人～』] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070120084815/http://wwwz.fujitv.co.jp/mukai-chiaki/index2.html |date=January 20, 2007 }}{{in lang|ja}}</ref> In 2009 Mukai was a visiting lecturer at the [[International Space University]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.isunet.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=39&Itemid=5|title=Visiting Lecturers – ISU|publisher=[[International Space University]]|accessdate=December 14, 2010}}</ref>


=== STS-65 ===
=== STS-65 ===
[[STS-65]] [[Space Shuttle Columbia|Columbia]] (July 8–23, 1994) was the second International Microgravity Laboratory (IML-2) flight. The mission consisted of 82 investigations of Space Life Science (Human Physiology, Space Biology, Radiation Biology, and Bioprocessing) and Microgravity Science (Material Science, Fluid Science and Research on the Microgravity Environment and Countermeasures). IML-2 was also designated as an extended duration orbit mission focusing on medical experiments related to the cardiovascular system, [[Autonomic nervous system|autonomic nerve system]], and [[bone]] and [[muscle]] [[metabolism]]. The mission was accomplished in 236 orbits of the [[Earth]], traveling over 6.1 million miles in 353 hours and 55 minutes.<ref name="NASA-bio"/>
[[STS-65]] [[Space Shuttle Columbia|Columbia]] (July 8–23, 1994) was the second International Microgravity Laboratory (IML-2) flight. The mission consisted of 82 investigations of Space Life Science (Human Physiology, Space Biology, Radiation Biology, and Bioprocessing) and Microgravity Science (Material Science, Fluid Science and Research on the Microgravity Environment and Countermeasures). IML-2 was also designated as an extended duration orbit mission focusing on medical experiments related to the cardiovascular system, [[Autonomic nervous system|autonomic nerve system]], and [[bone]] and [[muscle]] [[metabolism]]. The mission was accomplished in 236 orbits of the [[Earth]], traveling over 6.1 million miles in 353 hours and 55 minutes.<ref name="NASA-bio" />
>:P


===STS-95===
=== STS-95 ===
[[STS-95]] [[Space Shuttle Discovery|Discovery]] (October 29 to November 7, 1998) was a nine-day mission during which the crew supported a variety of research payloads including deployment of the Spartan solar-observing spacecraft, the [[Hubble Space Telescope]] Orbital Systems Test Platform, and investigations on space flight and the [[Senescence|aging]] process. The mission was accomplished in 134 Earth orbits, traveling 3.6 million miles in 213 hours and 44 minutes.<ref name="NASA-bio"/>
[[STS-95]] ''[[Space Shuttle Discovery|Discovery]]'' (October 29 to November 7, 1998) was a nine-day mission during which the crew supported a variety of research payloads including deployment of the Spartan solar-observing spacecraft, the [[Hubble Space Telescope]] Orbital Systems Test Platform, and investigations on space flight and the [[Senescence|aging]] process. The mission was accomplished in 134 Earth orbits, traveling 3.6 million miles in 213 hours and 44 minutes.<ref name="NASA-bio" />


==After her return from space==
== After her return from space ==
[[File:UNOOSA 50 Years of Women in Space NHM Vienna 2013 09 Chiaki Mukai Dumitru Dorin Prunariu.jpg|thumb|Chiaki Mukai in 2013]]
Mukai was a visiting professor at the [[International Space University]] (ISU) from September 2004 to September 2007. Between 2007 and 2012, she worked for [[JAXA]], serving as Director of the Space Biomedical Research Office, Human Space Technology and Astronaut Department, Human Space System and Utilization Mission Directorate.
Mukai was a visiting professor at the [[International Space University]] (ISU) from September 2004 to September 2007. Between 2007 and 2012, she worked for [[JAXA]], serving as director of the Space Biomedical Research Office, Human Space Technology and Astronaut Department, Human Space System and Utilization Mission Directorate.


From April 2011 until 2015, Mukai was a senior Advisor to the JAXA Executive Director. In addition, she became the director of the JAXA Center for Applied Space Medicine and Human Research (J-CASMHR) in July 2012.<ref name="SF-bio"/>
From April 2011 until 2015, Mukai was a senior Advisor to the JAXA Executive Director. In addition, she became the director of the JAXA Center for Applied Space Medicine and Human Research (J-CASMHR) in July 2012.<ref name="SF-bio" />


In March 2015, Mukai became vice president of the [[Tokyo University of Science]],<ref name=vice/> and is a technical counselor for JAXA. Since June 2015, she has been Director of Fujitsu Limited and is a corporate executive fellow of [[Kao Corporation]] since January 2016.<ref name="JAXA-bio"/>
In March 2015, Mukai became vice president of the [[Tokyo University of Science]],<ref name=vice /> and is a technical counselor for JAXA. Since June 2015, she has been Director of Fujitsu Limited and is a corporate executive fellow of [[Kao Corporation]] since January 2016.<ref name="JAXA-bio" />


== Awards and honors ==
== Awards and honors ==
Mukai has received the following awards:<ref name="NASA-bio"/>
Mukai has received the following awards:<ref name="NASA-bio" />
*[[Legion of Honour]]: Chevalier - French government (2015)
*[[Legion of Honour]]: Chevalier – French government (2015)
*Dream's Award - The Soroptimist Japan Foundation (2013)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.si-himejinishi23.jp/activityreport/2013/20131112.html?TB_iframe=true&width=700&height=500|title=The first-ever Dream's Award for Chiaki Mukai}}</ref>
*Dream's Award – The Soroptimist Japan Foundation (2013)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.si-himejinishi23.jp/activityreport/2013/20131112.html?TB_iframe=true&width=700&height=500|title=The first-ever Dream's Award for Chiaki Mukai}}</ref>
*Joe Kerwin Award - [[Aerospace Medical Association]] (2013)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.asma.org/asma/media/asma/pdf-journal/pdf%20news%202013/july2013_news_reduced.pdf|title=Joe Kerwin Award : Chiaki Mukai, M.D., Ph.D.}}</ref>
*Joe Kerwin Award – [[Aerospace Medical Association]] (2013)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.asma.org/asma/media/asma/pdf-journal/pdf%20news%202013/july2013_news_reduced.pdf|title=Joe Kerwin Award : Chiaki Mukai, M.D., Ph.D.}}</ref>
*Outstanding Service Award - The Society of Japanese Women Scientists (1996)
*Outstanding Service Award – The Society of Japanese Women Scientists (1996)
*Special Congressional Recognition - U.S. Congress (1995)
*Special Congressional Recognition – U.S. Congress (1995)
*Happy Hands Award - Satte Junior Chamber of Commerce (1995)
*Happy Hands Award – Satte Junior Chamber of Commerce (1995)
*Aeromedical Association of Korea Honorary Membership (1995)
*Aeromedical Association of Korea Honorary Membership (1995)
*Tatebayashi Children's Science Exploratorium Honorary President (1995)
*Tatebayashi Children's Science Exploratorium Honorary President (1995)
*Prime Minister's Special Citation for Contributions to Gender Equality (1995)
*Prime Minister's Special Citation for Contributions to Gender Equality (1995)
*The De La Vaux Medal - The Federation Aeronautique Internationale (1995)
*The De La Vaux Medal – The Federation Aeronautique Internationale (1995)
*The Award for Distinguished Service in Advancement of Space Biology - Japanese Society for Biological Sciences in Space (1995)
*The Award for Distinguished Service in Advancement of Space Biology – Japanese Society for Biological Sciences in Space (1995)
*Prime Minister's Special Citation (1994)
*Prime Minister's Special Citation (1994)
*Minister of State for Science and Technology's Commendation (1994 & 1992)
*Minister of State for Science and Technology's Commendation (1994 & 1992)
*People of Gunma Prefecture's Certificate of Appreciation (1994)
*People of Gunma Prefecture's Certificate of Appreciation (1994)
*Honorary Citizen of Tatebayashi City (1994)
*Honorary Citizen of Tatebayashi City (1994)
*Outstanding Service Award - National Space Development Agency of Japan (1994 & 1992)
*Outstanding Service Award – National Space Development Agency of Japan (1994 & 1992)
*Award for Distinguished Accomplishments - Tokyo Women's Foundation (1994)
*Award for Distinguished Accomplishments – Tokyo Women's Foundation (1994)
*Commendation for Technology - Japan Society of Aeronautical and Space Science (1993).
*Commendation for Technology – Japan Society of Aeronautical and Space Science (1993).
*[[Princess of Asturias Awards|Prince of Asturias Award for International Cooperation]] (1999).


== Personal life ==
== Personal life ==
Chiaki Mukai, née {{Nihongo|'''Chiaki Naitō'''|内藤 千秋|Naitō Chiaki}}, was born in [[Tatebayashi]], [[Gunma Prefecture]], Japan. She is married to Makio Mukai, M.D., Ph.D. Her recreational interests include snow skiing, [[Alpine skiing|Alpine competitive skiing]], [[Bass (fish)|bass]] fishing, scuba diving, tennis, golf, photography, [[Literature of the United States|American Literature]], and traveling.<ref name="NASA-bio"/>
She is married to Makio Mukai, M.D., Ph.D. Her recreational interests include snow skiing, [[Alpine skiing|Alpine competitive skiing]], [[Bass (fish)|bass]] fishing, scuba diving, tennis, golf, photography, [[American literature]], and traveling.<ref name="NASA-bio" />


== In popular culture ==
== In popular culture ==
In 2007, [[Fuji Television]] released a special episode of its program ''A Woman's Biography''. The episode is based on the biography of Mukai Chiaki and stars [[Miho Kanno]].
In 2007, [[Fuji Television]] released a special episode of its program ''A Woman's Biography''. The episode is based on the biography of Mukai Chiaki and stars [[Miho Kanno]].


==See also==
== See also ==
*[[Women in space]]
*[[Women in space]]
*[[List of female astronauts]]
*[[List of female astronauts]]


== Notes ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
== External links ==
{{commons category}}
{{wikiquote}}
{{Wikiquote}}
* [http://iss.jaxa.jp/en/astro/biographies/mukai/index.html JAXA biography]
* [http://iss.jaxa.jp/en/astro/biographies/mukai/index.html JAXA biography]
* [https://www.tohoku.ac.jp/en/news/university_news/interview_with_chiaki_mukai.html Chiaki Mukai - the First Japanese Woman to go to Space] interview from March 20, 2018, [[Tohoku University]]
* [https://www.tohoku.ac.jp/en/news/university_news/interview_with_chiaki_mukai.html Chiaki Mukai – the First Japanese Woman to go to Space] interview from March 20, 2018, [[Tohoku University]]
* {{Cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/mukai.pdf |title=CHIAKI MUKAI (M.D., PH.D.), JAXA ASTRONAUT (PAYLOAD SPECIALIST) |publisher=NASA |date=October 2003 |access-date=April 14, 2021}}
* {{Cite web|url=https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/mukai.pdf |title=CHIAKI MUKAI (M.D., PH.D.), JAXA ASTRONAUT (PAYLOAD SPECIALIST) |publisher=NASA |date=October 2003 |access-date=April 14, 2021}}


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[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Keio University alumni]]
[[Category:Keio University alumni]]
[[Category:Chevaliers of the Légion d'honneur]]
[[Category:Knights of the Legion of Honour]]
[[Category:Space medicine doctors]]
[[Category:Space Shuttle program astronauts]]
[[Category:Space Shuttle program astronauts]]
[[Category:People from Gunma Prefecture]]
[[Category:People from Gunma Prefecture]]

Latest revision as of 04:38, 27 November 2024

This article is about the astronaut born Chiaki Naitou. For the unrelated actress of the same name, see Yurin (actress).
For the Japanese Go player, see Chiaki Mukai (Go player).
Chiaki Mukai
Born (1952-05-06) May 6, 1952 (age 72)
Tatebayashi, Gunma Prefecture, Japan[1]
StatusRetired
OccupationPhysician
Space career
NASDA/JAXA astronaut
Time in space
23d 15h 39m
Selection1985 NASDA Group
MissionsSTS-65, STS-95
Mission insignia

Chiaki Mukai (向井 千秋, Mukai Chiaki, born May 6, 1952) is a Japanese physician and JAXA astronaut.[2] She was the first Japanese woman in space, the first Japanese citizen to have two spaceflights, and the first Asian woman in space.[1] Both were Space Shuttle missions; her first was STS-65 aboard Space Shuttle Columbia in July 1994, which was a Spacelab mission. Her second spaceflight was STS-95 aboard Space Shuttle Discovery in 1998. In total she has spent 23 days in space.

Mukai was selected to be an astronaut by Japanese national space agency NASDA (now called JAXA) in 1985. Prior to this, she was an assistant professor in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery at Keio University, the oldest university in Japan. In 2015, she became Vice President of the Tokyo University of Science.[3] In addition, she became JAXA Technical Counselor.[2]

Early life and education

[edit]

Chiaki Mukai was born in Tatebayashi, Gunma Prefecture. She graduated from Keio Girls Senior High School in Tokyo in 1971. She received her doctorate in medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, 1977; a doctorate in physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, 1988; board certified as a cardiovascular surgeon, Japan Surgical Society, 1989.[1]

Mukai is a member of the American Aerospace Medical Association; the Japan Society of Microgravity Applications; the Japan Society of Aerospace and Environmental Medicine; the Japanese Society for Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery; and the Japan Surgical Society.[1]

Medical career

[edit]

Mukai has held positions at several hospitals and institutions.[1]

  • Board-certified for medicine in 1977
  • Resident in General Surgery, Keio University Hospital, Tokyo (1977–1978)
  • Medical Staff in General Surgery, Shimizu General Hospital, Shizuoka Prefecture (1978)
  • Medical Staff in Emergency Surgery, Saiseikai Kanagawa Hospital, Kanagawa Prefecture (1979)
  • Resident in Cardiovascular Surgery, Keio University Hospital (1980)
  • Medical Staff in Cardiovascular Surgery, Saiseikai Utsunomiya Hospital, Tochigi Prefecture (1982)
  • Chief Resident in Cardiovascular Surgery, Keio University Hospital (1983)
  • Assistant Professor of the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Keio University

Mukai has been credited with approximately sixty peer-reviewed scientific publications since 1979.

Astronaut career

[edit]
Chiaki Mukai in Advanced Crew Escape Suits

In 1985, Mukai was selected as one of three Japanese Payload Specialist candidates for the First Material Processing Test (Spacelab-J) which flew aboard STS-47. She also served as a back-up payload specialist for the Neurolab (STS-90) mission. Mukai has logged over 566 hours in space. She flew aboard STS-65 in 1994 and STS-95 in 1998. She is the first Japanese woman to fly in space, and the first Japanese citizen to fly twice.[1]

As a NASDA astronaut, she was a visiting scientist at the Division of Cardiovascular Physiology, Space Biomedical Research Institute, NASA Johnson Space Center, from 1987 to 1988. Mukai has remained a Research Instructor of the Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, since 1992. From 1992 to 1998 she was a visiting associate professor of the Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, and in 1999 was promoted to a visiting professor of the university.[1]

On October 1, 2003, NASDA merged with ISAS (Institute of Space and Astronautical Science) and NAL (National Aerospace Laboratory of Japan) and was renamed Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

Mukai was assigned the deputy mission scientist for STS-107. In that capacity she coordinated science operations for this science mission.[1][4][5] In 2009 Mukai was a visiting lecturer at the International Space University.[6]

STS-65

[edit]

STS-65 Columbia (July 8–23, 1994) was the second International Microgravity Laboratory (IML-2) flight. The mission consisted of 82 investigations of Space Life Science (Human Physiology, Space Biology, Radiation Biology, and Bioprocessing) and Microgravity Science (Material Science, Fluid Science and Research on the Microgravity Environment and Countermeasures). IML-2 was also designated as an extended duration orbit mission focusing on medical experiments related to the cardiovascular system, autonomic nerve system, and bone and muscle metabolism. The mission was accomplished in 236 orbits of the Earth, traveling over 6.1 million miles in 353 hours and 55 minutes.[1]

STS-95

[edit]

STS-95 Discovery (October 29 to November 7, 1998) was a nine-day mission during which the crew supported a variety of research payloads including deployment of the Spartan solar-observing spacecraft, the Hubble Space Telescope Orbital Systems Test Platform, and investigations on space flight and the aging process. The mission was accomplished in 134 Earth orbits, traveling 3.6 million miles in 213 hours and 44 minutes.[1]

After her return from space

[edit]
Chiaki Mukai in 2013

Mukai was a visiting professor at the International Space University (ISU) from September 2004 to September 2007. Between 2007 and 2012, she worked for JAXA, serving as director of the Space Biomedical Research Office, Human Space Technology and Astronaut Department, Human Space System and Utilization Mission Directorate.

From April 2011 until 2015, Mukai was a senior Advisor to the JAXA Executive Director. In addition, she became the director of the JAXA Center for Applied Space Medicine and Human Research (J-CASMHR) in July 2012.[4]

In March 2015, Mukai became vice president of the Tokyo University of Science,[3] and is a technical counselor for JAXA. Since June 2015, she has been Director of Fujitsu Limited and is a corporate executive fellow of Kao Corporation since January 2016.[2]

Awards and honors

[edit]

Mukai has received the following awards:[1]

  • Legion of Honour: Chevalier – French government (2015)
  • Dream's Award – The Soroptimist Japan Foundation (2013)[7]
  • Joe Kerwin Award – Aerospace Medical Association (2013)[8]
  • Outstanding Service Award – The Society of Japanese Women Scientists (1996)
  • Special Congressional Recognition – U.S. Congress (1995)
  • Happy Hands Award – Satte Junior Chamber of Commerce (1995)
  • Aeromedical Association of Korea Honorary Membership (1995)
  • Tatebayashi Children's Science Exploratorium Honorary President (1995)
  • Prime Minister's Special Citation for Contributions to Gender Equality (1995)
  • The De La Vaux Medal – The Federation Aeronautique Internationale (1995)
  • The Award for Distinguished Service in Advancement of Space Biology – Japanese Society for Biological Sciences in Space (1995)
  • Prime Minister's Special Citation (1994)
  • Minister of State for Science and Technology's Commendation (1994 & 1992)
  • People of Gunma Prefecture's Certificate of Appreciation (1994)
  • Honorary Citizen of Tatebayashi City (1994)
  • Outstanding Service Award – National Space Development Agency of Japan (1994 & 1992)
  • Award for Distinguished Accomplishments – Tokyo Women's Foundation (1994)
  • Commendation for Technology – Japan Society of Aeronautical and Space Science (1993).
  • Prince of Asturias Award for International Cooperation (1999).

Personal life

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She is married to Makio Mukai, M.D., Ph.D. Her recreational interests include snow skiing, Alpine competitive skiing, bass fishing, scuba diving, tennis, golf, photography, American literature, and traveling.[1]

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In 2007, Fuji Television released a special episode of its program A Woman's Biography. The episode is based on the biography of Mukai Chiaki and stars Miho Kanno.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "CHIAKI MUKAI (M.D., PH.D.), JAXA ASTRONAUT (PAYLOAD SPECIALIST)" (PDF). NASA. October 2003. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
  2. ^ a b c "Chiaki Mukai (M.D., Ph.D.)". JAXA. May 2, 2016. Retrieved November 23, 2018.
  3. ^ a b "Project Professor Chiaki Mukai's inauguration as Vice President of the Tokyo University of Science". Tokyo University of Science. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  4. ^ a b Spacefacts biography of Chiaki Mukai
  5. ^ Fuji Television's TV drama: 女の一代記『向井千秋～夢を宇宙に追いかけた人～』 Archived January 20, 2007, at the Wayback Machine(in Japanese)
  6. ^ "Visiting Lecturers – ISU". International Space University. Retrieved December 14, 2010.
  7. ^ "The first-ever Dream's Award for Chiaki Mukai".
  8. ^ "Joe Kerwin Award : Chiaki Mukai, M.D., Ph.D." (PDF).
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