Human spaceflight

JAXA assigned Makoto Suwa to a long-duration ISS mission around 2027, it announced on January 9, 2026 following international coordination. This would be his first spaceflight; the notice gave neither an exact launch date nor a specific spacecraft flight. Suwa joined JAXA in July 2023 and was certified as an astronaut in October 2024 after basic training. ESA cave-based teamwork training formed part of his preparation. These are background milestones, not new 2026 flights. Planned duties include maintaining ISS facilities, including Kibo, and conducting scientific experiments. The assignment establishes a preparation milestone rather than a completed mission. A later announcement of a particular flight or crew is a distinct stage, while the approximate 2027 timing remains approximate.