Japanese Astronauts Yui and Onishi Reunite with a High-Five in Space

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Astronaut Kimiya Yui, 55, of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft. The launch took place at 12:43 AM Japan time on August 2 (11:43 AM EDT on August 1), alongside American and Russian crewmates.

After nearly 15 hours in flight, the spacecraft arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) at 3:27 PM on August 2. This is Yui’s second stay aboard the ISS — his first was in 2015. He is scheduled to remain for about six months.

A Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Crew Dragon spacecraft with Kimiya Yui and others aboard launches from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on August 1. (From NASA broadcast)

Warm Reunion in Space

Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi, 49, has been stationed at the ISS since March. He took over as commander in April. When Yui arrived, the two embraced and exchanged a high five.

Kimiya Yui (far right) waves as he boards the spacecraft with fellow astronauts at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on August 1. (From NASA broadcast)

At a welcome ceremony with all 11 astronauts gathered, Onishi welcomed Yui back in English. Yui said he was very happy to be there and that it was wonderful to have such great teammates. He added that he was looking forward to working with everyone and would do his best.

Onishi will return to Earth in the coming days after completing a handover with Yui. He will board a spacecraft currently docked at the ISS.

Watch the launch

Author: The Sankei Shimbun

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