posted 09-17-2009 06:08 PM               

The 22nd ISS Expedition Mission is the first mission for Japan to have a Japanese astronaut stationed at the International Space Station (ISS) for six months.

The shape of this logo, a hexagon, represents our eagerness to promote full-scale space utilization, such as scientific experiments to be performed by the six astronauts onboard ISS over six-month cycle. The six stars in the upper left symbolize the JAXA logo, and, at the same time, stand for the sixth visit to the ISS by a JAXA astronaut.

The colors of the outer frame, white, blue and red, come from the national flags of Japan, America and Russia and express the cooperation among the three astronauts who will be aboard Soyuz despite their language differences.

The two ribbons connecting the Earth and Kibo indicate the first trip to and from the ISS by a Japanese astronaut qualified as a Soyuz pilot. Simultaneously, they represent our hope that the ISS will become a bridge across the borders for international friendship.