DigitalBlast, Former Project Manager of ISS “Kibo” Japanese Experiment Module, Yoshiaki Takeuchi, was Appointed as CSS Technical Advisor to Accelerate the Construction of Private Space Stations Led by the Private Sector, Utilizing Knowledge and Experience

February 15, 2023

DigitalBlast Co., Ltd., which supports the revitalization of the space industry and the creation of new businesses in the space sector (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Shingo Horiguchi, hereinafter referred to as DigitalBlast), is pleased to announce that as of February 1, 2023, Yoshiaki Takeuchi, who has been involved in the development of the “Kibo” Japanese Experiment Module of the International Space Station (hereinafter referred to as ISS) from its early stages and has experience as a project manager, has been appointed as the CSS Technical Advisor.

 

Appointment as CSS Technical Advisor

DigitalBlast, with the mission of “providing value to space,” develops ecosystems related to the space domain, connects space and society, creates economies in space, and aims to invigorate the space industry. Considering the situation in Japan where concrete movements are still undecided for the “post-ISS” era after the planned end of ISS operations in 2030, DigitalBlast launched the “Commercial Space Station (CSS) Initiative” in December 2022, led by the private sector. This initiative aims to create a new economic zone in space and promote the use of space by the private sector.

Yoshiaki Takeuchi, who has been involved in the development of the ISS “Kibo” Japanese Experiment Module and the space station supply vehicle “Kounotori” at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries) for 25 years, has a wealth of experience and knowledge in manned space development. With Takeuchi’s appointment, DigitalBlast aims to further strengthen and accelerate the realization of the”‘Commercial Space Station (CSS) Initiative” that it leads.

 

Profile of Yoshiaki Takeuchi

At Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Yoshiaki Takeuchi participated in the project from the initial development of the International Space Station (ISS) ‘Kibo’ Japanese Experiment Module, experiencing concept design, system requirements setting, system design, etc. After overseeing the development of control systems and onboard software, Takeuchi was appointed as a project manager. He also led the development as the project manager for the pressurized carrier of the space station supply vehicle ‘Kounotori.’ Based on his experience in systems engineering cultivated in space development, he conducted consulting within and outside Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. After working on the development of lunar landing missions at ispace, Takeuchi joined DigitalBlast as a CSS Technical Advisor. He supports the realization of the Commercial Space Station (CSS) by leveraging his experience in manned space development. He is a PMP certified by the American PMI.

 

Comment from Yoshiaki Takeuchi

I am very pleased to have the opportunity to serve as a CSS Technical Advisor. I have gained valuable knowledge and experience in manned space system development through the development of “Kibo” and “Kounotori,” but since then, there has been no new manned space system development, and I was concerned that Japan’s manned space development technology would be lost. I aim to realize CSS and pass on the know-how of manned space system development to domestic companies.

 

About the Commercial Space Station (CSS) Initiative

In the development of commercial space stations that are underway in the United States, the goal is to construct a space station led by the private sector within Japan. DigitalBlast will take the lead, aiming to launch the first module by 2030 in collaboration with partner companies. The space station modules being constructed include a Habitat & Core Module with functions such as communication and docking mechanisms, crew living facilities, as well as a Science Module and an Entertainment Module. The plan is to offer services to companies, research institutions, and government agencies, such as space experiment services and communication infrastructure, and also to develop services for general consumers, utilizing space for entertainment, including sports and video streaming.

 

The image of the planned space station

 

About DigitalBlast, Inc.

DigitalBlast is on a mission to redefine the value of space with its motto, “Make Space Valuable.” To enhance the worth of Japan’s space sector, it’s crucial to develop a variety of revenue streams that extend beyond BtoG (business-to-government) transactions. Boasting a diverse team skilled in business strategy, digital technology, and promotion, we take pride in our comprehensive solutions. Our goal is to expand our clients’ revenue options and forge new value within the space industry.

Company Name: DigitalBlast Inc.
Office: Jinbocho mitsui building 19F,1-105 Kanda Jinbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0051, Japan
Representative: Shingo Horiguchi (CEO)
Established: December 2018
Website: https://digitalblast.co.jp/

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