Koichi Wakata, who led Japan's manned space activities for over 30 years and completed five spaceflights, including his role as commander of the International Space Station, retired from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, or JAXA, at the end of March.
Staying true to his commitment to "lifetime active duty," Wakata, 60, became chief technology officer for the Asia-Pacific region at U.S. startup space company Axiom Space in April.
In addition to sharing his extensive experience with the private sector, Wakata also aims to make his sixth spaceflight as an astronaut with Axiom Space.
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