Astronaut Wakata receives prime minister's award

Astronaut Wakata receives prime minister's award

TOKYO, Japan - This undated file photo shows astronaut Koichi Wakata who received the prime minister's award Nov. 25, 2009, for his contribution to the completion of Japan's first manned space laboratory Kibo at the International Space Station during a 138-day cosmic trip.

Astronaut Wakata receives prime minister's award

Astronaut Wakata receives prime minister's award

TOKYO, Japan - Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama (R) chats with astronaut Koichi Wakata at the premier's office on Nov. 25, 2009, after presenting him with the prime minister's award for his contribution to the completion of the country's first manned laboratory Kibo at the International Space Station. Wakata returned from a 138-day cosmic trip in July.

Astronaut Wakata receives prime minister's award

Astronaut Wakata receives prime minister's award

TOKYO, Japan - Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama (R) and astronaut Koichi Wakata hold a plaque of the prime minister's award at the premier's office on Nov. 25, 2009. Wakata contributed to the completion of Japan's first manned laboratory Kibo at the International Space Station during a 138-day cosmic trip.

Astronaut Wakata receives prime minister's award

Astronaut Wakata receives prime minister's award

TOKYO, Japan - This undated file photo shows astronaut Koichi Wakata who received the prime minister's award Nov. 25, 2009, for his contribution to the completion of Japan's first manned space laboratory Kibo at the International Space Station during a 138-day cosmic trip. (Kyodo)

Astronaut Wakata receives prime minister's award

Astronaut Wakata receives prime minister's award

TOKYO, Japan - Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama (R) and astronaut Koichi Wakata hold a plaque of the prime minister's award at the premier's office on Nov. 25, 2009. Wakata contributed to the completion of Japan's first manned laboratory Kibo at the International Space Station during a 138-day cosmic trip. (Kyodo)

Astronaut Wakata receives prime minister's award

Astronaut Wakata receives prime minister's award

TOKYO, Japan - Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama (R) chats with astronaut Koichi Wakata at the premier's office on Nov. 25, 2009, after presenting him with the prime minister's award for his contribution to the completion of the country's first manned laboratory Kibo at the International Space Station. Wakata returned from a 138-day cosmic trip in July. (Kyodo)