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June 30, 2003

National Space Development Agency of Japan

                  NASDA REPORT NO.132

Part 3 of 3



A plate-type propellant tank for saving significant space inside the
satellite has been designed and produced as a prototype. 

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*1. Thrusters are small rocket motors attached to the satellite.
*2. The reaction wheel is basically just a spinning top inside the
    satellite whose rate of rotation can be adjusted to maintain
    stability of the satellite's attitude. 

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Let Us Talk Space Challengers

Interview with Medical Doctor
Mr. Shuichi Shirasaki 

One Step toward Achieving a Dream

While the time may soon come when the work of an astronaut is
considered a "common" occupation, at present being an astronaut is
still considered special. Before going into space, NASDA's astronauts
must pass rigorous tests and undergo lengthy training. Dr. Shuichi
Shirasaki, department head of anesthesiology at Kaisei Hospital in
Hokkaido, Japan, dared to undergo these tests.  He has published his
experiences of such tests and now gives lectures on the topic.

I felt the need to take a step toward my dream by taking the
examination. I'd do it again if I had the chance, says Dr. Shirasaki. 

Interviewer: Although most of my questions may be answered in your
book entitled "Chuunen doctor uchu hikoshi juken funtoki (A
Middle-Aged Doctor's Struggle to Pass the Astronaut's Exam; published
by Gakken)", but let me ask you a few questions. First, why did you
decide you wanted to be an astronaut? 

Shirasaki: Well, I've always been interested in airplanes and at one
time dreamed of becoming a pilot. I like adventure and want to visit
places I've never seen. It was only natural that I would aspire to
become an astronaut. And one more thing that appealed to me...if I
actually became an astronaut, I thought I might be able to ride in a
T-38 training jet (laughs). 

Interviewer: You didn't apply until the fourth time NASDA was
recruiting. Why didn't you apply sooner? 

Shirasaki: I had only been a doctor for two years when the first time
recruitment by NASDA was announced. I didn't think that I could
possibly be accepted with such little experience, but I actually
really wanted to apply. I was overseas when the second time
announcement was made and I was not aware of it. Then, at the third
time, I was busy writing a book on medical care and simply did not
have enough time - I didn't even have time to study for the exams.
But I thought they would probably announce another recruitment again
in two or three years, and my guess was right on (laughs). 

Interviewer: I imagine the examination you took consisted of the
first-stage, second-stage, and the third-stage tests, and they were
different in one another. What did you think after taking the tests? 

Shirasaki: Let me tell you, there was an English test prior to the
first-stage, in which there were other people more proficient than I,
so I wondered why I was allowed to stay (laughs). But I found why I
got to the final-stage of the test. A person does not gain readiness
and adaptability from simply taking tests. They were probably looking
for qualified persons who are ready to conduct as "spacemanship". The
medical examination essentially included a massive number of medical
checkups. They even do an endoscopic test of your stomach, which was
terrible. It only took five minutes, but it changed my whole view of
life. I was embarrassed as a medical professional since I took it so
lightly before. 

Interviewer: Did these exams change you in any way?

Shirasaki: I learned that you must take that first step forward.
Otherwise you will never realize your dream. That's what I believe.
If you have a dream, why not go for it? Give it your best shot and
see what happens. That's what I'd like to tell other people. When we
become adults, we enter a defensive mode at various levels. So if we
take a stab at something, it makes it all the more interesting. Many
people that have read my book have asked for my advice, and I have
also been giving lectures and the like, saying these very things. In
the end, I was unable to become an astronaut, but I feel fulfilled. 

Interviewer: Unfortunately, you cannot apply again, due to the age
restriction, but if they were to relax this requirement...? 

Shirasaki: Certainly, I would try again if I met the requirements!

*

Editor's Note
Dr. Shirasaki said that he still has not given up on his dream -
after all, look at John Glenn. Our interview with Dr. Shirasaki, who
is a dreamer, but not a spaceman, left us with the impression of
having just interviewed a true astronaut. We felt a feeling of not
much separated Dr. Shirasaki from an astronaut. In fact, the content
of the interview was so dense, that it is unfortunate we could not
include it all. All that is left is to encourage people to read his
book mentioned above and to pursue their own dreams.

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