Kimiya Yui

Kimiya Yui (born January 30, 1970) is a Japanese astronaut and a former JASDF pilot. He was selected by the JAXA as an astronaut candidate in 2009, and was certified as an International Space Station (ISS) astronaut in July 2011. Yui was part of the Expedition 44/45 crew, which launched to the ISS in July 2015.

Early life and education

Yui was born in Kawakami, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. He graduated from the National Defense Academy in 1992 with a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering.

Military career

After graduation, Yui joined the JASDF. He served as a pilot for the F-15 fighter jet and held various positions including test pilot. He has logged more than 2100 flight hours in more than 25 different aircraft.

Astronaut career

Yui was selected as one of the new astronaut candidates by JAXA in 2009. After two years of training, he was certified as an ISS astronaut in July 2011. He was part of the Expedition 44/45 crew, which launched to the ISS in July 2015. During his stay on the ISS, Yui conducted various experiments and contributed to the maintenance and operation of the station.

Personal life

Yui is married and has two children. He enjoys baseball, scuba diving, and skiing in his free time.

See also

• List of astronauts by year of selection
• List of International Space Station expeditions