Speaking to reporters prior to the launch today of the Soyuz spacecraft that will carry him to the ISS with two other astronauts, Noguchi said one of his ideas is to "prepare and serve sushi" to the other crew members.

Noguchi will be participating in his second mission aboard the ISS following a short stay in 2005.

"I hope to spend more time inside the Kibo (Japanese experiment module) and take in the beautiful view of the Earth from space," Noguchi said.