Provided by Kyodo News
Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi on Friday called his experience as the third-ever Japanese commander of the International Space Station an "invaluable asset" after spending some five months on the orbiting laboratory.
"It was a massive role, but I was blessed with a good crew and was able to serve without major issues," the 49-year-old told a press conference in Tokyo.
Onishi, from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, previously went to the ISS in 2016. His second space mission ended in August this year and he recently flew back to Japan following rehabilitation in the United States to reacclimate to Earth.
Just before heading back to Earth, Onishi welcomed fellow Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui, 55, at the ISS.
Regarding plans to retire the ISS in 2030, Onishi said he became emotional thinking he would likely never visit again.
The astronaut also expressed his ambition to participate in the U.S.-led Artemis lunar exploration program.
He said he thought, "I want to go there next," viewing the Moon from the ISS. "I intend to use all my experience to participate in Artemis."