LAKELAND, FL —Florida Polytechnic University announced that Astronaut Koichi Wakata will serve as the 2026 commencement speaker.
Wakata is a veteran astronaut who became the first Japanese commander of the International Space Station and the first from his country to spend more than 500 days in space. He completed five space missions, the most by a Japanese astronaut, and conducted two spacewalks totaling 14 hours and two minutes. He also operated four robotic systems aboard the ISS.
Wakata retired from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency in 2024 and now serves as chief technology officer at Axiom Space, where he helps lead expansion in the Asia-Pacific region and supports development of the company’s commercial space station.
University leaders said Wakata’s career reflects the institution’s focus on innovation and excellence in STEM education.
Florida Poly’s commencement ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, at the RP Funding Center.
