Space Brothers

Épisode 1 - Little Brother Hibito and Big Brother Mutta

1 avril 2012 - 4.5/5

The year 2006. Two brothers, Nanba Mutta (age 12) and Hibito (age 9), happen to spot a UFO headed for the moon. The experience inspires them to make a certain promise.

Épisode 2 - My Shining Star

8 avril 2012 - 4.6/5

With his mother's assistance and Hibito's encouragement, Mutta has been accepted for the New Astronaut Selection Exam. However, unsure of his next step, he visits Sharon, who works at a nearby observatory. After receiving advice from Sharon, Mutta is finally able to make up his mind.

Épisode 3 - The Man With the Advantage and the Running Female Doctor

15 avril 2012 - 4.7/5

After advancing to the second exam, Mutta realizes that the other applicants are much better prepared than he is. Desperate to prove himself, he stakes everything on the lung capacity test, as he has confidence in his trumpet-trained lungs. However, as the other applicants drop out, he finds himself in a heated battle with Itou Serika. Who will come out on top?

Épisode 4 - Next to Hibito

22 avril 2012 - 4.7/5

After a long week, only the final interview remains in the second JAXA exam. Mutta is drawing attention as Nanba Hibito's older brother, but he insists he won't spend his entire life as Nanba Hibito's big brother.

Épisode 5 - Days of Missing

29 avril 2012 - 4.5/5

After completing the second JAXA exam, Hibito invites Mutta for a free trip to Houston, Texas, through NASA's family support program. Upon arrival, he finds himself chased by a pug named Apo, and is then reunited with Hibito. However, Hibito expresses disappointment.

Épisode 6 - Et Cetera in My Head

6 mai 2012 - 4.6/5

As Mutta arrives at the Johnson Space Center to observe Hibito's training, one of the JAXA judges brings up the reason Mutta was fired from his previous job. As Hibito appears on a television show that night, Mutta is surprised when Hibito starts praising him. Just then, Mutta receives a call from his former workmates informing them of what his former boss had told JAXA. As Mutta becomes convinced he has lost his chance of becoming an astronaut, one of the other JAXA judges, who had been observing Mutta and Hibito's constant visits to JAXA, meets up with Mutta's former workmates to get the whole story.

Épisode 7 - Dear Hibito

13 mai 2012 - 4.4/5

As Hibito notices Mutta acting strangely, he suspects that something is up. Mutta eventually confesses about his high chance of failure, and appears to have resided to think he has no chance. Meanwhile, Hoshika has trouble trying to convince another judge to change his mind about Mutta. As Mutta spends time with the pet walkers following being told off by Hibito, the restaurant he is visiting is attacked by a fire extinguisher weilding robber.

Épisode 8 - Smoky Heaven

20 mai 2012 - 4.4/5

As Mutta's somehow manages to apprehend the robber by chance, he gains a lot of attention and is praised as a hero on a live TV broadcast, which is seen by Hibito and the JAXA judges. Afterwards, Mutta receives a video message from his parents, revealing he has passed the second exam. Before leaving for Japan, Mutta discovers a hidden set of wills written by Hibito which leaves him concerned.

Épisode 9 - Individual Resolve

27 mai 2012 - 4.6/5

As he arrives in Japan, Mutta remains concerned about the wills Hibito wrote before going outside to see the International Space Station in the sky. Later, he meets up with Kenji and Serika to celebrate making it to the third exam. The three talk about their motives for going into space, with Serika wanted to go on the ISS, despite the fact it will probably be shut down by the time she makes it to space. He hears from another collegue that she wants to carry on the dream of her late father to develop medicine to cure a disease, which can only be done on the ISS.

Épisode 10 - Running Bus

3 juin 2012 - 4.4/5

Before heading off to JAXA for the third exam, Mutta visits Sharon who tells him not to worry about not having a reason to go into space like Serika and Kenji has. As the exam begins, the applicants board a strange bus supposedly heading towards a top secret facility, with only Kenji noticing there are cameras onboard. An hour into the journey, they begin an exercise in which each applicant spends ten minutes talking to each other. Afterwards, they are asked to fill in a survey ranking everyone's potential to be an astronaut, followed by a meal and a rest before the bus arrives somewhere.

Épisode 11 - Trapped Rivals

10 juin 2012 - 4.4/5

Arriving at an undisclosed location, the applicants are shown footage of the last moments of a group of astronauts before they died due to a chute failure upon reentry, in order to determine their willingness to continue with the exam. After everyone agrees to continue with the exam, the group is split up into three teams with each team spending two weeks together in a sealed environment before determining which two of them would make the best astronauts. Mutta is placed in a team with Serika, Reiji Nitta, Naoto Fukuda and Yasushi Furuya. The first assignment involves figuring out what the current time is, where Mutta comes up with a surprisingly precise answer.

Épisode 12 - My Name Is Itou Serika

17 juin 2012 - 4.3/5

Mutta comes up with a method for his prediction, hiding the fact he had simply noticed what time it was when he left the bus. As Serika's hunger keeps her up, she recalls when she asked her father what the meaning behind her name was. The next morning, as the teams have to decide how to handle the food supply, they also discuss how to go about deciding which two candidates to pick to be astronauts. After everyone on Team A introduces themselves, Serika decides to let Mutta call her by her first name.

Épisode 13 - 3-D Ant

24 juin 2012 - 4.4/5

Nitta grows concerned about a heart monitoring bracelet everyone is wearing, as well as a rule in which if one team member leaves, the entire team is disqualified. After a few physical and mental tasks, the teams are tasked with writing a letter to win over a journalist who is critical of space exploration. Mutta recalls when he and Hibito went to a lecture held by Soichi Noguchi about how seeing things from a different perspectives brings new solutions. After thinking about the story, Mutta decides the right action is not to protest but instead show her the third dimension offered by outer space, which will be made apparent once Hibito reaches the moon.

Épisode 14 - Broken Glasses and the Sole of the Foot

1 juillet 2012 - 4.5/5

As Naoto recalls how his work in developed a manned spacecraft alienated him from his family, his glasses get broken when they are accidentally stepped on by Yasushi. Despite his reduced visibility, Naoto becomes determined to not let it stop him. After Yasushi hears from Serika about how Naoto quit his job in order to get a chance for astronaut selection, he swallows his pride and asks mission control to order new glasses for him.

Épisode 15 - Let's Talk About Space

8 juillet 2012 - 4.5/5

As the JAXA staff decide to order Naoto new glasses as per Yasushi's request, Hoshika steps in to observe the exam. The next day, as Team B is put on edge when an alarm starts going off in the middle of the night, Team A discovers their clock has gone missing, later finding it smashed. The applicants are soon tasked with completing a blank puzzle within three hours. As the situation in Team A becomes tense as Yasushi accuses Serika of breaking the clock, Mutta tries to calm the situation by having everyone talk about space, getting them to consider JAXA broke the clock so they could learn to depend on their own sense of time whilst hiding the fact he saw Naoto break the clock.

Épisode 16 - Alarm, But No Clock

15 juillet 2012 - 4.4/5

After the puzzle challenge ends before anyone manages to complete it, Mutta confronts Naoto about what he saw, but he only tasks him with finding out the reason why he broke the clock. Meanwhile, Team B continues to be plagued by the mysterious alarm, which is secretly being controlled by one of the participants, and soon find their clock has been tampered with as well. Meanwhile, as Serika grows concerned that she's used too much food for cooking, with not much left for the remaining four days, Team A is soon given their own alarm problem.

Épisode 17 - The Culprit is in the Room

22 juillet 2012 - 4.6/5

As Team A searches for the mysterious alarm, Mutta notices some strange behaviour in Yasushi. Haven't been reminded about the cameras by Naoto, Mutta believes JAXA is behind these incidents. He recalls what he learnt whilst visiting Houston, in which green cards are given to astronauts in training instructing them to create problems. Thus, Mutta correctly deduces that both Naoto and Yasushi had been given green cards ordering them to break the clock and set off the alarm. Later, Serika confesses about the food shortage to Mutta, who mistakenly believes it to be another green card order.

Épisode 18 - Ka-pe! Kenji!

29 juillet 2012 - 4.4/5

After a few more green card related incidents, Mutta is given his own green card, prompting him to make random noises throughout the day. Meanwhile, as Team B continues facing issues, Kenji is put under pressure when he is told to withdraw from the selections, feeling he has done nothing to improve teamwork. As Kenji seriously contemplates withdrawing, he recalls what his daughter said to him, realising she was telling him to do his best and regaining his confidence.

Épisode 19 - The Day Before Goodbye

5 août 2012 - 4.3/5

As the exam approaches its final few days, Kenji gets to know his teammates better, which Hoshika musing that he didn't give Kenji a green card earlier in order to test his leadership skills. Meanwhile in Team A, as Mutta reveals they don't have any food left for tomorrow, he manages to gather some ingredients for making udon noodles. Remembering how he learnt it from Sharon along with Hibito, Mutta gets everyone to make udon together. Having not had anyone share his interest in space whilst he was in school, Mutta becomes pleasantly surprised when everyone else becomes surprised over how he knows Sharon, and they spend time talking about space together. The mood soon heavies when they are reminded they still need to choose two people to become astronauts.

Épisode 20 - The Worst Possible Punishment

12 août 2012 - 4.4/5

As the last day of the exam arrives, the teams are told to do what they want for the rest of the day before deciding on thier selections, so Team A decides to clean up the place. As Team A struggles to decide on a method of choosing two astronauts, Mutta recalls the advise Sharon gave him and suggests they decide via a game of rock, paper, scissors so that everyone has a fair chance. As Yasushi accepts to this, he shows off his recordings of everyone's scores, revealing he's been in a last place. Mutta reveals that he got the idea to use rock, paper, scissors from Yasushi, and he agrees to go along with it.

Épisode 21 - A Long-Awaited Glimpse of the Sky

19 août 2012 - 4.3/5

After Team A decide their selections after one round, the third exam comes to its end and Team A is met with applause from the staff. Upon venturing out into the open sky again, the applicants discover they had been at JAXA the entire time. As Mutta and Keiji discuss how those who weren't selected may still have a chance, Yasushi, who lost out in the match, visits a much-admired professor, Hiroto Baba, who shows him his newly designed spacesuit. Whilst heading for a celebratory meal with the rest of Team A, Yasushi recalls how he got interested in space, but was troubled that he was too short to become an astronaut. This led him to admire Baba when he invented a smaller spacesuit which lowered the minimum height requirement to become an astronaut.

Épisode 22 - Working on the Dream

2 septembre 2012 - 4/5

Team A get together to celebrate the winners of the match, Serika and Reiji, on passing the third exam. Meanwhile, the JAXA staff have discussions about which of the remaining candidates to select, with Hoshika pointing out how Team A was the only one who promised to get together upon leaving. Four days later, it is revealed Houston will select one male from the remaining candidates to become an astronaut, with Mutta assuming Kenji is likely to be chosen over him. As Mutta worries about his lack of luck, Hibito carries on his training, curious about what Mutta's reply will be. As Mutta hangs out with Naoto, it is revealed that Mutta had been chosen to go to Houston which boths excites Mutta but also causes him to be concerned about Kenji.

Épisode 23 - Father, Son, and Mutta Claus

9 septembre 2012 - 3.9/5

Mutta takes up a part-time job as a shopping mall Santa to earn some money before his trip to Houston. Meanwhile, Yuri Teshima, one of the candidates from Team B, shows his father his passion for extra terrestrial life. As Mutta hears from JAXA about when he is to depart for Houston, he learns that Kenji was in fact chosen alongside him, as Yuri had decided to turn down his application to pursue a career in marine biology. Sera visits her father's grave, leaving a diary of everything she got up to in the past year, whilst Mutta visits Kenji. With the final exam in two months, coinciding with Hibito's mission into space, Mutta decides to head to Houston ahead of schedule.

Épisode 24 - The Worst Possible Interviewer

16 septembre 2012 - 4.1/5

As Hibito trains to use a space vechile for his moon mission, Mutta does some lawn mowing for Ozzy. Later, Mutta has dinner with Jennifer and Lowry, Hibito's backup, where he learns the examiner for the final exams will be Takio Azuma, who allegedly holds a grudge against Hibito for being selected to go on the moon instead of him, putting Mutta at a disadvantage.

Épisode 25 - Sonic Little Brother Training Big Brother

23 septembre 2012 - 4.1/5

As Hibito recalls how he came to admire Azuma, he tells Mutta how his final astronaut selection exam was an interview with one of the Japanese astronauts. As Mutta ponders how he should spend his time before the exam, he witnesses Hibito piloting a jet craft, reminding Mutta of how he came to support him. As the day count down towards Hibito's launch, Mutta trains his body and mind with Ozzy to prepare for his interview. Seven days before the launch, as Hibito is moved into quarantine, Serika and the other candidates travel with Mutta's parents to Houston.

Épisode 26 - Painful Interview

30 septembre 2012 - 4.3/5

As the day of the final exam arrives, Nanba is hindered by aching leg muscles due to all the squats he did the other day. After entering the interview room and meeting the examiners, including Azuma and Soichi Noguchi, Mutta sits down only for his chair to break due to a combination of a screw loosened by one of the examiners and Mutta's tenseness in hiding his cramps. After the interviews end, the candidates have a celebratory meal with the examiners. Unbeknownst to the candidates, the interview was a decoy intended to drop their guard as the examiners make observations outside of an exam environment. As Mutta is secretly probed for his observations on the other candidates, he comes face to face with Azuma.

Épisode 27 - One Question

7 octobre 2012 - 4/5

As Mutta decides to converse with Azuma, he asks him a question that another astronaut previously asked him; "Are you prepared to die?". Mutta gives an honest reply that he would try to survive if possible, which is similar to how both Azuma and Hibito answered the same question. As Mutta and other candidates head off to Florida, he recalls how he and Hibito spent months trying to get footage of the UFO they say, since noone else saw it due to the Zidane headbutt incident. Upon arriving in Florids, Mutta and his parents go to see Hibito, giving him a DVD of the footage they filmed together to take to the moon with him.

Épisode 28 - Miracle of Doha

14 octobre 2012 - 4.1/5

Hibito recalls how Mutta was bullied by those who didn't believe him about the UFO. Wanting to find proof of UFOs existing in order to stop the bullying without resorting to violence himself, he decided to make his own UFO, giving the footage he filmed to Mutta for his 13th birthday. Despite obviously telling it was a fake, Mutta appreciated the thought and treasured the DVD. When the bullies started turning on Hibito instead, Mutta fought against them with his headbutt.

Épisode 29 - Night Before Launch

21 octobre 2012 - 3.8/5

The Mars V rocket containing parts for the construction of a moonbase is successfully launched into space. On the night before Hibito's launch, Mutta is visited by his mother, who expresses her concerns about the launch. On the morning of the launch, NASA reports a 60% chance of the launch being postponed due to the weather, but Hibito remains optimistic that the launch will go ahead. As Mutta and Kenji visit the news center for updates on the weather, a kid with a punk hairstyle sets Apo loose.

Épisode 30 - Dog, Old Man, and Alexander

28 octobre 2012 - 4/5

As Mutta and the others search for Apo, Mutta finds him being carried off by a strange old NASA employee named Deneil Young, who takes Mutta for a ride to a place featuring abandoned training facilities. Reaching the top of an old blockhouse, Mutta is treated to a spectacular view of the launchpad. As the Mars I finally lifts off, Mutta stands back and watches in awe.

Épisode 31 - Rocket Road

4 novembre 2012 - 3.9/5

As Hibito and his crew finally make it into the weightlessness of space, Mutta thanks back to when he and Hibito attended a broadcast of Akihiko Hoshide aboard the ISS, answering Hibito's question and giving him the encouragement to become an astronaut. Back in the present, Deneil reveals to Mutta that he was the one who taught Hibito to fly a jet, saying they will meet again on the airfrield should Mutta be selected.

Épisode 32 - A Private Place

11 novembre 2012 - 4/5

As the candidates celebrate Hibito's launch, they are informed they will return to Japan and will hear of the results a week after Hibito lands on the moon, though Mutta opts to stay in Houston until Hibito lands on the moon. Later on, Hibito gives an interview aboard the Orion as it makes his journey to the moon, which is broadcast across Japan. As Mutta spends time with Jennifer, she shows him Azuma with his family. As Mutta goes to greet them, Azuma shakes his hand and invites him to join them, where he learns more about him from his wife. Later that night, Azuma recalls the pressures her faced from the press after orbiting the moon and how it was Brian Jay who reccomended Hibito be the first to walk on the moon.

Épisode 33 - Moon Rabbit

18 novembre 2012 - 4/5

As the Orion approaches the moon for landing, Hibito receives a video message from Mutta. The whole of Japan tunes in early in the morning to watch the live broadcast of the moon landing, which Hibito manages to pull off successfully. As Hibito prepares to take his first steps on the moon's surface, he recalls Mutta's video message, assuring him of Azuma's approval. With that in mind, Hibito turns his first step into what would come to be known as 'the moon jump', although Mutta is a little embarrassed by Hibito's 'inspiration first words'.

Épisode 34 - Pug and Hug on a Moonlit Night

25 novembre 2012 - 4/5

Hibito et l'équipe du CES-51 vont utiliser le module déjà présent sur la lune. Tandis que Mutta attends avec impatience les résultats du dernier examen tout en se préoccupant de son capital chance qui diminue à vue d'œil...

Épisode 35 - From the Little Corner of a Big Facility

2 décembre 2012 - 4.3/5

Les résultats de l'examen de sélection des astronautes sont enfin annoncés par la JAXA. Le premier à recevoir un coup de téléphone, c'est Makabe Kenji...

Épisode 36 - Dancing Astronaut

9 décembre 2012 - 3.5/5

As Serika visits her father's grave after hearing about her results, she recalls her childhood. Being a biologist who studied 'little universes', Rinpei Itou inspired Serika to want to be an astronaut. Rinpei soon became hospitalised with a paralyzing brain disorder, so he asked Serika to start a journal to tell him about her daily life. Rinpei's condition soon worsened, as his condition was revealed to be a rare disease. Reading up on Chiaki Mukai, who was an astronaut who developed cures aboard the ISS, Serika became determined to be the same so she could find a cure for Rinpei's condition. However, he passed away soon afterwards. Having learnt that she has passed her exams, Serika celebrates with a nostalgic ice pop.

Épisode 37 - Two Men in the Park

16 décembre 2012 - 4/5

As Mutta becomes anxious about whether he has enough luck to pass, Hoshika decides to share the load of revealing the results. The first person he calls is Mizoguchi, who is shocked to learn he has failed as he was always the top in everything he did. When asked why he failed, Hoshika explains it is his lack of depending on others that caused him to fail. Afterwards, Hoshika asks Mutta to meet him at the park, where he personally reveals that Mutta has passed his exam. Hoshika then takes Mutta straight to the press conference.

Épisode 38 - Eleventh E-mail

23 décembre 2012 - 4.3/5

Upon arriving at the conference building, Mutta meets with some of the unsuccessful applicants before heading to the main hall, where he is greeted by Serika, Kenji and Reiji, along with Team B's Ena Kitamura. As Hoshika gives Hibito the news of Mutta's success, Mutta manages to get through the conference without messing up. As the gang get together following the conference, Naoto joins them in celebration whilst Yasushi sends Mutta various texts congratulation him, explaining how he was always rooting for him.

Épisode 39 - Lunar Illusions

6 janvier 2013 - 4/5

As Mutta and the others begin their first day at JAXA, they receive a talk from Murasaki about the training they will go through to become fully fledged astronauts. Meanwhile on the moon, Hibito and co-astronaut Damian are sent on a mission to recover a damaged space probe, struggling with the illusions the moon plays on perception, whilst fellow astronauts Buddy Waters and Karen Jones host a television special. Whilst trying to open a compartment on their buggy, Hibito and Damian lose track of where they are going and end up driving into a crater.

Épisode 40 - Heaven and Hell

13 janvier 2013 - 4.3/5

Hibito finds himself trapped inside the crater, seperated from Damian and unable to contact Houston. As Hibito searches for Damian, he manages to find the probe they were looking for. A flare alerts Hibito to Damian's position, where he finds Damian has injured his leg and his temperature regulation system is broken, meaning he will soon freeze to death. Although Damian tells Hibito to leave him behind, Hibito instead decides to use the battery from the buggy to power the probe in order to get him out of the crater. As Hibito attempts to climb up the craterside to reach the buggy, he loses his grip and falls, damaging his suit on impact.

Épisode 41 - Eighty Minutes to Live

20 janvier 2013 - 4/5

As NASA discusses rescue operations for Hibito and Damian, Azuma suggests that they send remote controlled probes to assist them whilst the other astronauts wait for their buggy to be charged. Although Hibito recovers from his fall, Damian informs him that his main oxygen tank has been punctured, leaving him with just eighty minutes of oxygen remaining. Despite this, Hibito resumes his attempt to rescue Damian, managing to reach the probe and reactivate it. Meanwhile, Mutta, having just heard the news, arrives at JAXA and gives them some input based on how he feels Hibito would act, though this advice is ignored by NASA.

Épisode 42 - Hibito's Choice

27 janvier 2013 - 4.1/5

Hoshika tells Mutta that Houston will be able to tell if Hibito moved if he fires his remaining flare. Meanwhile, Hibito, who has less than twenty minutes of oxygen left, decides to use his last flare as a makeshift fireplace to provide Damian with some neccessary heat. Hibito eventually reaches the top of the crater and exposes Damian to the sunlight, but becomes stressed when he can't communicate with anyone. Meanwhile, Houston learns of their location, which was at the point Mutta predicted, and learn that Hibito has less than ten minutes of oxygen remaining. After making sure Damian is properly shaded, Hibito decides to take a walk on his own, preparing to walk into the ravine again so he can see the stars once more. Just then, he spots the flash he saw earlier and decides to investigate it, discovering it to be a small astronaut figure left behind by Brian.

Épisode 43 - Brian

3 février 2013 - 4.3/5

Hibito reminisces about Brian, who was something of a mentor to him. Checking the back of the figure, Hibito finds a picture of a young Brian with his brother, realising Brian left the figure there so both brothers would eventually stand on the moon together. The oxygen reserves in Hibito's suit soon runs out, putting Hibito through pain as he gasps for oxygen before almost losing consciousness. Just then, the oxygen producing drone named after Brian arrives on the scene, allowing Hibito to obtain some oxygen in the very nick of time.

Épisode 44 - Three Astronauts

10 février 2013 - 4.1/5

It is revealed that Hibito was able to be saved because of Azuma's plea to NASA to take into account Mutta's theory as the worst case scenario and send the Brian drone over to where he suggested. Meanwhile, Mutta is relieved to hear of Hibito's safety once news reaches JAXA. Whilst the other astronauts, Freddy Saturn and Buddy Walters, bring Hibito and Damian back to base, they reminisce about all the things Brian taught them. Three days later, Mutta gets a chance to talk with Hibito, who gives him his deepest thanks for helping to save him, promising that they'll both stand on the moon together.

Épisode 45 - Five Blue Rangers

17 février 2013 - 4/5

Mutta pays a visit to Sharon, who is shocked to hear how much danger Hibito was in. She reveals that her astronomy team has received funding to build a lunar telescope on the moon, which would allow people to see further into space, an idea spurred by her late husband, Shinichi, who named an asteroid after her before he passed away from an illness. This spurs on Mutta to fulfil his promise to Sharon, along with his promise to Hibito. Later, Mutta and the others receive their official JAXA jumpsuits before being informed they will be travelling to Houston tomorrow to begin their joint astronaut training.

Épisode 46 - Number One Restless Guy

24 février 2013 - 4/5

As the astronaut candidates arrive at the airport, Serika and Ena think back to their last meals with their friends and family. Serika had dinner with her friends and grandparents whilst Ena spent time with her younger sister, Kei, helping her decide what she wants to do in the future. Meanwhile, Mutta attracts a lot of attention after Murasaki tricks him into putting on his jumpsuit in the airport. Meanwhile at NASA, astronaut Vincent Bold is assigned as the training instructor for the new trainees. Upon arriving at Houston, Mutta meets up with Ozzy, who helps him and Kenji set up accomodation in Hibito's house.

Épisode 47 - The First Promise

3 mars 2013 - 3.8/5

Whilst Serika and Ena manage to find a place to live, Mutta becomes curious about something Murasaki allegedly mentioned to Kenji about the training during the flight. Deciding to ask Murasaki himself, he mentions how a few astronauts always seem to leave at some point during the training due to not being up to snuff. He goes on to explain the role of astronauts is akin to those of actors, stating he himself has never gotten the chance to 'stand on stage'. Later, the group go to the mission control center, where Mutta hears from Jennifer that Hibito probably won't be approved for any EVA operations for the duration of the mission. Afterwards, a party is held for all the trainee astronauts, where the group meet Amanti Patel from India, who has a hobby of reading people's fortunes. When asked to read Mutta's future, she has an unsteady feeling.

Épisode 48 - Always Have a Pedometer in Your Heart

10 mars 2013 - 4.2/5

The astronaut candidates are briefed on their training, with Bold stating he plans to make everyone go through two years of training in a year and a half, to the surprise of his fellow instructor, Larry Bison. He starts off with the hard stuff right away by putting everyone through survival training in the desert, where they must walk all the way to Amarillo. Mutta's group, consisting of the JAXA candidates and Amanti, meet up with their advisors, Mike Davis and, to Mutta's surprise, Lowry, who provide them with lunch before informing them they'll need to forage further meals themselves.

Épisode 49 - Nitta the Leader

17 mars 2013 - 4.2/5

As Mutta's team find their rations and set up camp for a night, they are informed they are currently last in the rankings, which requires one person beside the leader to take a punishment. Mutta volunteers for the punishment, in which he must stand at attention for a whole hour, but the group soon cheer up when they are treated to a beautiful view of the stars. Later on the fourth day, as Nitta is chosen as the leader, he appears to be a bit more strict with his desire to increase their ranking, whilst also expecting a call from a certain someone. Just then, Mutta pushes Nitta out of the way of their ration box when he notices a rattlesnake. Following the incident, Davis issues the leader with a handgun to defend themselves against dangerous wildlife. On the fifth day, as Mutta acts as leader and helps the group push onwards, Nitta suddenly tells the others that he must head back.

Épisode 50 - Nitta and Mutta

24 mars 2013 - 4/5

Nitta explains that he had left his phone behind somewhere, which he needs as he is expecting an important call. Nitta opts to go alone to search for it, but Mutta, being the leader, decides it would be best to search alongside him at night once they set up camp. Along the way, Nitta explains he is waiting for a call from his younger brother, Kazuya, who he hasn't spoken to in two years. Mutta suspects that Nitta may have dropped his phone near the previous food crate when Mutta tackled him, which motivates Nitta to rush to its location. Arriving at the crate, Nitta finds his phone as it flashes, only to find he had barely missed a call from Kazuya.

Épisode 51 - Living Stone

31 mars 2013 - 3.9/5

As Mutta and Nitta head back to camp, discussing their relationships with their respective brothers, Kazuya looks up information about the astronauts, finding a video interview with Nitta. In the video, Nitta explains how feelings that you may not belong in this world can help drive you to go beyond it, stating some of the things Kazuya taught him when they were younger. After returning to camp, Nitta explains to the others about his brother whilst Mutta once again worries about Amanti's prediction. As a starstorm flies above the desert, Kazuya starts to venture outside his own little world.

Épisode 1 - A Big Brother is Always...

6 avril 2013 - 2.7/5

Recap episode. Mutta recalls how he first got accepted for the JAXA training program.

Épisode 2 - Stand on the Moon Together Alive

13 avril 2013 - 2.5/5

Recap episode. Hibito recalls the ordeal of his accident on the moon.

Épisode 3 - Do I Have Good Luck?

20 avril 2013 - 3/5

Recap episode. Mutta recalls watching Hibito's launch, as well as the events of his JAXA exams.

Épisode 4 - Distant Goal

27 avril 2013 - 4.4/5

On the final day of the survival training, Mutta winds up with a fever, putting the team in a tough decision to either continue pushing onwards or retire. As leader, Amanti understands Mutta's wishes and decides that they will keep on walking, with everyone helping to carry Mutta's belongings. As the team draw close to their goal, an automated rover lands nearby, which is revealed to be part of the next task, in which they must collaborate with an engineer and develop a rover in two weeks for a Comeback Competition. As the team in last place, Mutta's team is stuck with a lazy engineer named Pico Norton, who has no intention of helping them out. As Mutta rests up from his fever, Pico goes out drinking with Vince.

Épisode 5 - A Promise Over a Drink

4 mai 2013 - 4.3/5

As the news reports that Hibito will soon be returning from the moon, Pico is put under pressure as he designed the parachute that must help them land safely. After Mutta recovers from his cold, the team try to work on their project without Pico's help, being at a budget disadvantage due to ranking last. Speaking with one of Pico's co-workers, Mutta becomes more unnerved upon hearing Pico developed the parachute deployment system for Hibito's return. When Mutta brings up whether Pico's system was responsible for Brian's accident, it is explained that the head NASA engineer at the time chose another company's parachute for Brian's capsule after a human error resulted in a crash during a test of Pico's system. Hearing this, Mutta brings up to the team that they need to prepare their budget for two rovers, with the anticipation that one of them could fail.

Épisode 6 - An Engineer's Switch

11 mai 2013 - 4.4/5

As Azuma makes his way towards the moon, Mutta's team works on testing the rover, learning of what flaws they need to fix. The team consider following another team's example and going with a glider instead of a ground rover, but Pico points out that the wind would cause issues with that plan. Using his engineer insight on how to overcome their obstacles, Mutta suggests that they make the rover's tires out of sponge, so they can have larger tires that still fit inside the rocket whilst also reducing costs and providing shock absorption. Impressed by this idea, Pico decides to give the team advice on their parachute, encouraging them to think of the rover as a spaceship containing their comrades. With Mutta's ideas and Pico's advice, the team manage to put together a working rover complete with a functioning parachute. Later, as Mutta is invited by Pico for a drink, Vince takes him for a drive.

Épisode 7 - Earnest Failure

18 mai 2013 - 4.3/5

During their car ride, Vince mentions that he considers astronomers his enemy, due to their supposed snobbery towards manned spaceflight. When asked who his viewpoint, Mutta responds that he considers himself to be his worse enemy, with Sharon being the one who helped him see that. As Pico joins them at the bar, Mutta's remark about earnest failures reminds Pico and Vince about their childhood friend, Rick, who used to make rockets together. Back when they were fifteen, they were under pressure to give up on their dreams and settle with becoming coal miners due to the town they were raised in, but they reaffirmed their dreams after seeing Brian riding the ISS.

Épisode 8 - Promise Sign

25 mai 2013 - 4.1/5

Pico and Vince were pushed by their fathers and teachers to apply for their local technical college, which angered Rick, who felt betrayed by the others for giving up their dreams. Before they could make up with each other, Rick died in a car accident on the day Pico and Vince attended a career day for the mines. Distraught and angered by Rick's death, Pico and Vince reaffirmed their resolve to pursue careers as astronauts, as life is too short for unexciting things. Back in the present, Azuma and his group arrive at the moon base, where he reunites with Hibito, who thanks him for helping to save his life, whilst Mutta, Kenji and Nitta watch it on TV. As the day of the Comeback Competition arrives, Pico informs Mutta and Kenji that a rainfall the previous night could potentially cause huge problems with the sponge tires, the worst case scenario given them only an hour to do something about it.

Épisode 9 - Sea Diver and Space Diver

1 juin 2013 - 4.5/5

With a limited amount of time before they launch, the team search for materials they can use to keep the sponge tires dry. Visiting the hotel's utility room, Mutta borrows some silicone sealant from the janitor, which he uses to waterproof the tires. With all their elements in place, along with Mutta's addition of a toy astronaut to represent the purpose of the experiment, the rover manages to make it 200m from the target goal before its battery dies, ranking them fifth overall and second amongst the AsCans. After the contest, they are approach by the winning team, whose director turns out to be none other than Naoto, who is working hard to develop a Japanese manned rocket.

Épisode 10 - Those Who Wait for Hibito

8 juin 2013 - 4.3/5

As Hibito, along with Damian and Linda, begin their journey back to Earth, Mutta's group give Pico their rover as a memento of their time together. The day soon comes for the space module Orion to enter the atmosphere and a collective sigh of relief is heard as the parachutes are successfully deployed and the three astronauts land safely. Arriving in Houston, Hibito greets Mutta, giving him a piece of rock from the moon as a souvenir.

Épisode 11 - Those Who Dream Far

15 juin 2013 - 4.2/5

Whilst Hibito, Damian and Linda begin their rehabiliation, Amanti tells Mutta about a premonition she had about him, saying someone close to him will soon be stricken by a serious illness. Meanwhile, Sharon travels to a conference in America to propose the construction of a lunar telescope. Back in Houston, Mutta and the other AsCans are at Ellington Airport where they much learn how to pilot a T-38 jet as part of their astronaut training. Mutta is called up by Sharon who, after talking with Serika who is a big fan of hers, says she will be in Houston in two days, whilst Mutta starts to worry if she is the one Amanti mentioned.

Épisode 12 - Young Excitement

22 juin 2013 - 4.3/5

The AsCans begin their flight studies, in which they must learn three weeks worth of flight knowledge in three days. Meanwhile, Sharon speaks with Daniel Morrison, a university lecturer from Hawaii, who expresses his interest in her telescope proposal and offers his support. She eventually arrives in Houston where she meets up with Hibito, who senses some limpness in her hands. After Sharon falls over whilst trying to carry some drinks, her assistant and Hibito check her into a medical center, where the doctor claims she is only feeling fatigue. Later that night, Hibito and Sharon head to a party Mutta and the others are holding. When Serika notices Sharon's battered cellphone, she is reminded of when her father was first diagnosed with his illness and discovers Sharon is showing the same symptons he had.

Épisode 13 - Piece of Cake

29 juin 2013 - 4.3/5

Mutta, Hibito and Serika accompany Sharon to a neurologist, where Serika fears she may be suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis just like her father. As Sharon is admitted for more tests, Serika explains the details of ALS to Mutta, who is shocked to learn that it may one day kill her. As such, Mutta finds himself unable to concentrate on his written test and scores terribly. Following her examinations, in which she is properly diagnosed with ALS, Sharon is visited by Serika, who tells her about her father and motivates her to work hard on her research despite her illness. As Sharon heads back towards Japan, Mutta reaffirms his promise to help build her telescope. Later, Serika tells Mutta about a similar promise she made to get up to the ISS and develop a treatment for ALS.

Épisode 14 - Wheelchair Pilot

13 juillet 2013 - 4.4/5

After Mutta takes a make-up exam, this time managing to concentrate properly, he once again meets Deneil Young. With the top scoring AsCans being assigned to the best flight instructors for their T-38 training, Mutta, as the only one who had to take a make-up, is assigned to Deneil.

Épisode 15 - Two Notebooks

20 juillet 2013 - 4.1/5

Deneil takes Mutta on his first T-38 flight where, unlike the other instructors, he flies at speeds of 6.5Gs. Mutta throws up on his first flight, though after hearing Hibito went through the same training, he decides to go on it again. He soon begins training to fly himself, tasked with relying on instruments instead of sight. Whilst intially having trouble, Mutta is soon encouraged by Deneil's advice and Sharon's hand written letter, encouraging him to train for what he can.

Épisode 16 - Deneil-ized!

27 juillet 2013 - 4.3/5

Hibito informs Mutta that he'll be returning to Japan for a week in order to be debriefed by JAXA and visit Sharon. Meanwhile, Mutta struggles with multitasking aspect of flying a T-38, not helped by Deniel's improvisations and a burger commercial that got stuck in his head. After giving him some advice on being a top pilot, Deneil later tells Mutta that he plans to retire once Mutta becomes an official astronaut. Meanwhile, Hibito and the other astronauts go drinking with Pico, telling him about his experiences with Deneil. As Mutta finally gets the hang of his training, Deneil tells him about how he salutes to pictures of pilots and would-be astronauts who died in flight accidents.

Épisode 17 - Two Keyboards

3 août 2013 - 4.2/5

Mutta's flight training is progressing well. Meanwhile, Hibito heads back to Japan, where he is greeted by cheering g crowds and parades. He also gets a chance to visit Sharon.

Épisode 18 - Next to Hibito

10 août 2013 - 4.3/5

After Mutta completes flight training, he officially becomes an astronaut. Now he must wait to see if he will be assigned to a lunar mission.

Épisode 19 - Determination to Give Up

17 août 2013 - 4.4/5

After completing training, Mutta is offered a spot on the backup crew for an upcoming ISS mission. This is a golden opportunity for Mutta to make it to space quickly. But he must consider what he truly wants to do.

Épisode 20 - Rehearsal

31 août 2013 - 4.3/5

Mutta and Hibito are selected for a magazine cover. Mutta is excited, but he notices that Hibito is acting strangely.

Épisode 21 - Hibito's Disorder

7 septembre 2013 - 4.4/5

Hibito struggles with the panic disorder that's afflicted him since his ordeal on the moon. However, he requests that his condition be kept secret from Mutta, who may have found a way to improve the lunar rover.

Épisode 22 - A Road on the Roadless Moon

14 septembre 2013 - 4.3/5

Mutta comes up with an idea to prevent vehicular accidents on the moon. Will NASA accept his proposal?

Épisode 23 - Magic Trick

21 septembre 2013 - 4.3/5

Mutta's proposal to improve the lunar rover is received well. But he still hasn't convinced Chief Butler to let him train for lunar missions. Desperate for ideas, Mutta researches Chief Butler's history for clues.

Épisode 24 - My Hands

28 septembre 2013 - 4.4/5

Mutta's proposal to add a windshield to the lunar rover is received well. However, Chief Butler is still reluctant to allow Mutta to train for lunar missions. Mutta decides he must try something more dramatic.

Épisode 25 - Olga

5 octobre 2013 - 4.3/5

Mutta has convinced Chief Butler to allow him to start training for lunar missions. Meanwhile, Hibito is in Russia, trying to overcome his panic disorder.

Épisode 26 - An Astronaut's Daughter

12 octobre 2013 - 4.3/5

Hibito continues to struggle in rehab. Russian astronaut Ivan Tolstoy shows Hibito videos of his daughter as a child, learning ballet. Will the videos give Hibito his answer?

Épisode 27 - Out of Time

19 octobre 2013 - 4.3/5

Inspired by Olga's performance, Hibito continues his rehabilitation. Ivan comes up with a unique approach that may start Hibito down the path to recovery.

Épisode 28 - Olga, Hibito and Gagarin

26 octobre 2013 - 4/5

NASA and JAXA have decided to bring Hibito back to Houston, placing him in a supporting role. Hibito has no choice but to pack up and make his farewells.

Épisode 29 - Secret

2 novembre 2013 - 4/5

Hibito has returned to Houston from Russia. At the same time, Mutta begins his journey to the moon with NEEMO training.

Épisode 30 - Worst Enemy

9 novembre 2013 - 4.1/5

Mutta's idea for improving the lunar rover has earned him the right to participate in NEEMO training. He has taken one step toward the moon.

Épisode 31 - Space Family

16 novembre 2013 - 3.9/5

Mutta is now underwater participating in NEEMO training. He's happy to be assigned to the same team as Kenji, but it turns out that he shouldn't be celebrating.

Épisode 32 - Kenji and I

23 novembre 2013 - 4/5

Only one of each team's two Ants will be chosen to go to the moon. Since the beginning of his journey, Mutta has worked with Kenji, so he isn't sure what to do.

Épisode 33 - Supandaman

30 novembre 2013 - 4.3/5

Mutta and Kenji are forced to compete for the chance to go to the moon. Initially unsure as to what to do, Mutta benefits from Andy's advice, which helps him settle down and devise a new plan.

Épisode 34 - On the Moon's Surface

7 décembre 2013 - 4.7/5

Mutta and Kenji have overcome their initial shock after hearing that only one of them will be chosen to go to the moon. Now that they're working together again, everything seems to be going right with their construction of the Moonbase.

Épisode 35 - For Tomorrow

14 décembre 2013 - 4.1/5

Mutta has completed NEEMO training. His final idea impressed many people in NASA. Meanwhile, back in Houston, Hibito continues his rehabilitation.

Épisode 36 - To the Place Where I Belong

21 décembre 2013 - 4.1/5

Mutta has completed his NEEMO training and now waits to learn if he will be heading to the moon. Back in Houston, Hibito also completes his rehabilitation training. All that remains is to demonstrate to NASA that he has made a full recovery.

Épisode 37 - Pretty Dog

4 janvier 2014 - 4.2/5

Hibito is worried about the upcoming test that will decide if he will be allowed to return to space. Uncertain, he turns to an unexpected person for advice.

Épisode 38 - Last Words

11 janvier 2014 - 4.2/5

Mutta has been chosen to go to the moon. First, he will serve as Vince's backup. Now, Kenji and Nitta must learn what the future has in store for them.

Épisode 39 - A Small Note and a Big Lucky Charm

18 janvier 2014 - 4.1/5

Hibito begins the test that will determine if he can return to active duty. However, Chief Butler has planned a surprise for Hibito.

Épisode 40 - How to Help Hibito

25 janvier 2014 - 4.1/5

Hibito takes the test to determine if he will be allowed to return to active duty. While Chief Butler issues a green card for a false malfunction, to see how Hibito reacts under pressure, another malfunction also occurs that Butler doesn't expect.

Épisode 41 - Lonely People

1 février 2014 - 4/5

Hibito has passed his test to return to active duty. With that over, Mutta can focus on starting his backup crew training for a lunar mission.

Épisode 42 - In the Corner of My Heart

8 février 2014 - 4.2/5

As Sharon makes a new proposal to NASA for the lunar telescope, Mutta continues his training in the desert. However, Chief Butler is still seeking a backup captain for the mission.

Épisode 43 - Exciting Teamwork

15 février 2014 - 4.5/5

Mutta has been assigned to the CES-62 backup crew, but his fellow members aren't keen to work together. Will the arrival of Eddie Jay, their leader, turn things around?

Épisode 44 - Our History

22 février 2014 - 4.5/5

Eddie Jay's arrival has given the CES-62 sub crew a much-needed jolt. After a night jog brings the crew closer together, Eddie suggests that the crew members share their stories.

Épisode 45 - Astronaut and Father

1 mars 2014 - 4.4/5

Mutta has returned from his training in the desert and gets some rest as Christmas approaches. Meanwhile, Kenji and Nitta finally learn about the mission they've been assigned to.

Épisode 46 - Won't Go Away

8 mars 2014 - 4.3/5

Mutta begins his CAPCOM training. Meanwhile HIbito has yet to be given any new mission orders. Chief Butler calls a meeting with the executives about Hibito's return to active duty, but NASA executives determine he's not fit to return.

Épisode 47 - The Ultimate Astronaut

15 mars 2014 - 4.2/5

Hibito has gone missing. Mutta suffers from distraction causing him to lose focus during mission training. Mutta and Chief Butler are searching for any option to change NASA's mind on Hibito.

Épisode 48 - People Change, Promises Don't

22 mars 2014 - 4.5/5

Hibito contacts Mutta, but tells him he is leaving NASA, but it isn't the end of the road for him as an astronaut. Mutta realizes in order to keep their promise to meet on the moon, he must succeed in his role as CAPCOM.

Épisode 49 - Space Brothers: Number Zero

9 août 2014 - 3.8/5