Satoshi demonstrating microgravity on the International Space Station

Demonstrating microgravity on Space Station (Credits: NASA)

Hello, my name is Satoshi Furukawa. I am a Japanese astronaut and a medical doctor. I lived and worked on the International Space Station for five and half months as a crewmember of Expedition 28/29 in 2011.

Not only I, but my whole family enjoy caves. We visited caves almost every time we had a family trip while I lived in Houston, USA. I was impressed by the mystical beauty of limestone caves.

Satoshi installing an ESA experiment on the International Space Station

Used to tight spaces: installing ESA experiment on Space Station (Credits: ESA/NASA)

When all the lights are turned off, deep inside a cavern, complete darkness appears making it impossible to see even my own hands right in front of my face. I was amazed. I thought of the admiration and wonder the people who explored this area long ago must have had when aided only by a small light as they explored the fantastic limestone caves.

I look forward to working together with the excellent friends and co-workers in the upcoming CAVES training with an explorer’s spirit.

Best regards,
Satoshi