Japanese astronaut shows NASA sea bottom training

New Japanese astronaut Takuya Ohnishi has shown reporters how astronauts practice space exploration at a facility 20 meters under the sea off the coast of Florida.

Ohnishi spoke to reporters through a video conference link to Tokyo from confined quarters on the ocean floor.

He and 5 other astronauts from countries including the United States and Canada are training for 2 weeks under the sea in NASA's Extreme Environment Mission Operations facility.

Ohnishi explained how the team was simulating extravehicular activities to explore an asteroid and obtain rock samples.

He demonstrated how the pressure is so high at the sea bottom that potato chip containers are crushed. He said he has discomfort in his ears, so it is hard to hear and he is having difficulty understanding English.

Ohnishi also spoke about the differences that Japanese and Americans have in communication. He said what he is most careful of is to respect the other person's culture.

Ohnishi was formerly a commercial airline pilot. After undergoing training at NASA, he officially qualified as an astronaut in July. He will continue training on the ocean floor until early November.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011 13:55 +0900 (JST)