Credit: NASA

EDUCATION: Graduated from Chigasaki-Hokuryo High School, Chigasaki, in 1984; received a bachelor of engineering degree in aeronautical engineering from the University of Tokyo in 1989, and a master of engineering degree in aeronautical engineering from the University of Tokyo in 1991.

ORGANIZATIONS: Member of the Japan Society for Aeronautical and Space Sciences.

EXPERIENCE: Noguchi joined Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (IHI) in April 1991. He completed a training course in the Manufacturing Department, and then he was assigned to the Aerodynamics Group, Research and Development Department, Aero-Engine and Space Operations, IHI. He was involved in the aerodynamic design of commercial aero-engines, planning and successful completion of the component tests of aero-engines, and the research of compressor aerodynamic performance. He was selected by the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) in June 1996.

Effective October 1, 2003, NASDA merged with ISAS (Institute of Space & Astronautic Science) and NAL (National Aerospace Laboratory of Japan) and was renamed JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency).

NASA EXPERIENCE: Noguchi reported to the Johnson Space Center in August 1996. Having completed two years of training and evaluation, he is qualified for flight assignment as a mission specialist. Technical assignments to date include serving as the office representative for Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) development support, display evaluation for ISS payload, and Payload Safety Review Panel. Initially, Noguchi was assigned technical duties in the Astronaut Office Space Station Branch.

Noguchi is currently assigned to the crew of STS-114. He will serve as MS-1 and EV-1 on the Return To Flight mission during which the crew will test and evaluate new procedures for flight safety and Shuttle inspection and repair techniques.