‘Getting into space was less scary than a roller coaster ride. This journey has made me obsessed with the earth…' says Japanese businessman Yusaku Maezawa. He recently returned after spending 12 days on the International Space Station. Mazawa, 46, wants to go to the moon next year, for this he has also signed a deal with Musk's company SpaceX. After returning to earth, he shared experiences related to the journey, read in his own words…
It is pleasant to see the earth from space, it looks 100 times more beautiful than the pictures
When you go to space, you realize the importance of the earth. This journey has made me more grateful to the earth. We have to give thanks for the fact that there is air, there is smell and there are many seasons. There were challenges like making tea in the zero gravity of space, lack of clean clothes, but I never felt scared. The experience at launch was great. It looked like a Shinkasen (Japanese bullet train) had missed the station. Everything happened so peacefully that I didn't even realize it when I looked through the window. Seeing the beauty of Earth from space is 100 times more beautiful than in photographs. You can start thinking about living with the world leaders in space. Of course, I am not powerful enough person to do this. But if this is possible then the world can be a better place to live in. I think there is a lot of potential in the business related to space. However, returning to normal life from the zero gravity life of space has proved more difficult than expected. I would like to get over this first. Sleeping in space is not easy. You keep on fighting even while sleeping. There is nothing for your body to hold. Another exploration is taking place in my mind. I want to go to the moon next year. For this I have joined the mission of SpaceX. Along with the heights like the moon, it is also my dream to go into the depths. I am planning to go under the sea to the Mariana Trench. This is the deepest place. Rarely have humans been able to reach there. Actually I always want to keep on facing challenges. It's fun doing this. You will be criticized for this, Many times you will fail. Some people get scared and back down. As far as I am concerned, I am not always successful. Not all dreams come true either. But I don't give up trying. I went with a Japanese artist's artwork. I have left him on the ISS, so that the people who go after me can also feel this happiness.
– Yusaku Mejawa
Maezawa is a Japanese billionaire and fashion mogul. His net worth is 14 thousand crores. He has borne the expenditure of Rs 372 crore on this journey.