Takuya Onishi

Takuya Onishi (born 22 December 1975) is a Japanese astronaut from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). He was selected as an astronaut candidate by JAXA in 2009, and has since completed his training with NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA). Onishi is known for his participation in the International Space Station (ISS) Expedition 48/49, where he served as a flight engineer.

Early life and education

Onishi was born in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. He developed an interest in space and aviation at a young age. He attended the University of Tokyo, where he studied Aerospace Engineering. After graduating, he joined All Nippon Airways (ANA) as a co-pilot and later became a captain.

Career

In February 2009, Onishi was selected as one of the astronaut candidates by JAXA. He moved to Houston, Texas, to begin astronaut candidate training at the Johnson Space Center. He completed his training in July 2011 and was certified as an International Space Station (ISS) astronaut.

Onishi's first spaceflight was the ISS Expedition 48/49, which launched in July 2016. During the mission, he conducted various scientific experiments and contributed to the maintenance and operation of the ISS.

Personal life

Onishi is married and has two children. He enjoys running, swimming, and playing the guitar in his free time.

See also

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