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Chiaki Mukai
Astronaut

Chiaki Mukai

Famoose for

Becoming the first Japanese woman in space.

STS-65 · STS-95

Born
6 May 1952
Birthplace
Tatebayashi

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Chiaki Mukai

Japanese physician and astronaut who carried medical research into orbit on two Space Shuttle missions. Her background was in cardiovascular surgery.

Early life

Medical training

Grew up in Tatebayashi and studied medicine at Keio University, later completing a doctorate in physiology.

Career

  1. 1977

    Medical practice

    Began hospital training and surgical work.

  2. 1985

    Astronaut selection

    Was chosen by Japan’s NASDA space agency.

  3. 1994

    First spaceflight

    Flew aboard Columbia.

  4. 1998

    Second mission

    Returned to space aboard Discovery.

Contributions

STS-65

Participated in a Spacelab research mission.

STS-95

Conducted further research in orbit.

Beyond work

Family and recreation

Married physician Makio Mukai. Her interests include skiing, diving, fishing, photography and literature.

Sources & photo creditBiography and career ↗Biographical references ↗

Original photograph. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.

Photo: NASA. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.