Naoko is the second Japanese female astronaut since Chiaki Mukai. She studied aerospace engineering while at graduate school and aspired to be a astronaut while engaged in development work at the International Space Station. And finally, 2010 she boarded the space shuttle Discovery, and shot off in to space. Naoko is currently retired from JAXA, but continues on with work that involves the future of space, such as being on the Cabinet Office Space Policy Committee, and as an advisor for the Young Astronauts Club - Japan.

Going in to space is an adventure. Yet at the same time it also feels as if you’re dropping by your hometown.

Naoko is the second Japanese female astronaut since Chiaki Mukai. She studied aerospace engineering while at graduate school and aspired to be a astronaut while engaged in development work at the International Space Station. And finally, 2010 she boarded the space shuttle Discovery, and shot off in to space. Naoko is currently retired from JAXA, but continues on with work that involves the future of space, such as being on the Cabinet Office Space Policy Committee, and as an advisor for the Young Astronauts Club - Japan.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx