TOKYO: Astronaut Koichi Wakata has become the first Japanese commander of the International Space Station, according to the country’s space agency. In a simple ceremony onboard the station, Wakata took over the facility’s command from Russian predecessor Oleg Kotov, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency said late on Sunday.
Most previous ISS commanders have hailed from Russia or the United States. “I am humbled to be assuming command of the station,” Wakata said in a video, as he thanked fellow astronauts who were returning to Earth. “We have had unforgettable memories together.”
Wakata, 50, left for the ISS in November on Russia’s Soyuz rocket, and will serve as the commander until May. AFP
