Chiaki Mukai

Infobox astronaut name = Chiaki Mukai native_name = 向井 千秋 native_name_lang = ja image = Chiaki Mukai.jpg type = NASDA/JAXA astronaut status = Retired birth_date = birth_place = Tatebayashi, Gunma Prefecture, Japan She was the first Japanese woman in space, the first Japanese citizen to have two spaceflights, and the first Asian woman in space. In addition, she became JAXA Technical Counselor. In 2009 Mukai was a visiting lecturer at the International Space University.

STS-65 STS-65 Columbia (July 8–23, 1994) was the second International Microgravity Laboratory (IML-2) flight. The mission consisted of 82 investigations of Space Life Science (Human Physiology, Space Biology, Radiation Biology, and Bioprocessing) and Microgravity Science (Material Science, Fluid Science and Research on the Microgravity Environment and Countermeasures). IML-2 was also designated as an extended duration orbit mission focusing on medical experiments related to the cardiovascular system, autonomic nerve system, and bone and muscle metabolism. The mission was accomplished in 236 orbits of the Earth, traveling over 6.1 million miles in 353 hours and 55 minutes. Joe Kerwin Award – Aerospace Medical Association (2013) Outstanding Service Award – The Society of Japanese Women Scientists (1996) Special Congressional Recognition – U.S. Congress (1995) Happy Hands Award – Satte Junior Chamber of Commerce (1995) Aeromedical Association of Korea Honorary Membership (1995) Tatebayashi Children's Science Exploratorium Honorary President (1995) Prime Minister's Special Citation for Contributions to Gender Equality (1995) The De La Vaux Medal – The Federation Aeronautique Internationale (1995) The Award for Distinguished Service in Advancement of Space Biology – Japanese Society for Biological Sciences in Space (1995) Prime Minister's Special Citation (1994) Minister of State for Science and Technology's Commendation (1994 & 1992) People of Gunma Prefecture's Certificate of Appreciation (1994) Honorary Citizen of Tatebayashi City (1994) Outstanding Service Award – National Space Development Agency of Japan (1994 & 1992) Award for Distinguished Accomplishments – Tokyo Women's Foundation (1994) Commendation for Technology – Japan Society of Aeronautical and Space Science (1993). Prince of Asturias Award for International Cooperation (1999).

Personal life She is married to Makio Mukai, M.D., Ph.D. Her recreational interests include snow skiing, Alpine competitive skiing, bass fishing, scuba diving, tennis, golf, photography, American literature, and traveling.

In popular culture In 2007, Fuji Television released a special episode of its program A Woman's Biography. The episode is based on the biography of Mukai Chiaki and stars Miho Kanno.