Astronaut Doi to work for U.N. space organization

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TOKYO, June 5 Kyodo -
Japanese astronaut Takao Doi will become a section chief at the U.N. Office for
Outer Space Affairs in Vienna, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency announced
Friday.
Doi, 54, the first Japanese to go on a spacewalk in 1997, was selected for the
two-year-term post through open recruitment and will start his new job from
September, according to JAXA.
In a statement, Doi said, ''I will dedicate all my capabilities to the new job.''
Doi is expected to compile measures to promote peaceful uses of outer space.
According to JAXA, Doi will remain in the United States until the end of this
month to support the mission of Koichi Wakata, 45, another Japanese astronaut
currently working at the International Space Station.
Doi joined the then National Space Development Agency of Japan, the predecessor
of JAXA, in 1985.
==Kyodo