Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui has been actively observing two typhoons from the International Space Station (ISS) during his current mission, Expedition 73. Yui, representing the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), shared his insights and images of the storms via social media, providing a unique perspective on these powerful weather phenomena.
On October 9, 2025, Yui reported that the eye of Typhoon 22 had become less distinct, yet the storm maintained its intensity. He described Typhoon 23 as swirling with thick rain clouds on its southern side, albeit located at a distance. In his post, he urged followers to stay safe and to keep informed about the latest developments regarding the typhoons.
Yui’s observations highlight the ongoing impact of extreme weather events and demonstrate how astronauts can contribute to our understanding of such phenomena from their vantage point in space. He captured an image of Typhoon 23 from the ISS, showcasing the dramatic visual of the storm as it churned through the Northwest Pacific.
Ongoing Work and Preparations on the ISS
While the ISS continues its operations, updates on various activities have been limited due to the ongoing U.S. government shutdown. Nevertheless, Yui has been collaborating with his Expedition 73 crewmates and ground controllers to prepare for the arrival of Japan’s next-generation cargo vehicle, the HTV-X. He recently updated his followers about his role in operating the Canadarm2 robotic arm, which will be crucial for capturing the HTV-X during its approach to the space station.
“Preparations to welcome HTV-X to the ISS are steadily progressing,” Yui stated in a post on October 8, 2025. He expressed his commitment to ensuring the success of the mission, emphasizing the significance of his responsibilities in operating the robotic arm.
As of October 10, 2025, there are seven crew members aboard the ISS, including Sergey Ryzhikov from Roscosmos, cosmonauts Alexey Zubritsky and Oleg Platonov, along with Jonny Kim, Zena Cardman, Mike Fincke from NASA, and Yui from JAXA. The crew is supported by a diverse fleet of docked spacecraft, including SpaceX’s Dragon “Endeavour” and Roscosmos’ Soyuz MS-27.
The ISS has been continuously occupied for an impressive 24 years, 11 months, and 8 days, marking a significant milestone in human space exploration. As astronauts like Yui continue their work, their contributions not only advance scientific knowledge but also deepen our understanding of Earth’s weather systems from above.
