Uniting cross-industry technology to advance spaceport development, operations, and adjacent commercial opportunities. Partner applications are now open ahead of the September 2026 launch.
ASTRO GATE Inc. (Registered Office: Akiruno-shi, Tokyo; Founder & President: Daisuke Ode; hereinafter “ASTRO GATE”), a spaceport planning and operations startup, is pleased to announce the launch of SAKURAーthe Spaceport Alliance for Knowledge, Utilization, Research & Advancement. The alliance is designed to accelerate spaceport development, and catalyze adjacent commercial opportunities across the space economy.
The alliance proudly welcomes two key supporting organizations: Space Port Japan Association, led by Representative Director Naoko Yamazaki, and the Next-Generation Spaceport Working Group (NSP-WG), managed by Innovative Space Carrier Inc.
In collaboration with industry leaders in advanced technology, SAKURA aims to streamline spaceport construction and operations while unlocking commercial opportunities across adjacent sectors. Registration is now open for prospective partners ahead of the official launch in early September 2026.
<From left; Kojiro Hatada, President & CEO of Innovative Space Carrier Inc. / Daisuke Ode, Founder & President of ASTRO GATE Inc. / Hidetaka Aoki, Co-founder & Director of Space Port Japan Association>
■ Background and Significance of Establishing “SAKURA”
Driven by the rapid growth of the space industry, in 2025, over 300 rockets were launched worldwide, placing more than 4,000 satellites into orbit. As demand for satellite launches continues to surge, securing ground infrastructure—specifically spaceports (launch sites, spaceports, and runways)—and building the surrounding economic zones have become major bottlenecks in the global space business.
Guided by its vision to create “New Encounters for Humanity” through spaceports, ASTRO GATE has partnered with governments, municipalities and private enterprises worldwide. SAKURA was established to accelerate these efforts—moving beyond spaceport design and operations to execute commercial projects in adjacent sectors like logistics, energy, manufacturing, and tourism alongside a diverse network of partners.
SAKURA will drive spaceport development by tracking global aerospace trends, securing early commercial projects, and advancing technology through targeted R&D funding. By uniting cross-industry partners, the alliance will deliver comprehensive services across the entire spaceport value chain.
Supporting partner Space Port Japan brings extensive experience in aligning local municipalities and industry leaders to shape policy, while NSP-WG contributes deep technical and economic feasibility research. Building on this expertise, SAKURA will gather global market intelligence and build a project pipeline to execute spaceport initiatives worldwide.
■ Statement from Daisuke Ode, Founder & President, ASTRO GATE Inc.
“A spaceport is far more than a launchpad for rockets. It is a next-generation hub where Earth and Space, as well as people and ideas, connect—a nexus for future economies and cultures. To realize our vision of creating ‘New Encounters for Humanity,’ combining the expertise and technologies of diverse industries is essential. We formed this alliance to build a team genuinely committed to executing this as a sustainable business.
We are thrilled to launch SAKURA in partnership with Space Port Japan and NSP-WG, who have pioneered spaceport initiatives from an early stage. By uniting Japan’s technological capabilities to lead spaceport operations and build their surrounding ecosystems, we look forward to driving global space development and unlocking unprecedented economic value. We warmly invite like-minded companies to join us.”
■ Statement from Naoko Yamazaki, Representative Director, Space Port Japan Association
“Space Port Japan has been working alongside local authorities and corporate partners to establish spaceports as a vital new industrial foundation for Japan. As the global space industry expands at pace, spaceports and their surrounding economic ecosystems are critical drivers in shaping the future of the space economy.
‘SAKURA’ is an ambitious initiative aimed at delivering tangible commercial operations across logistics, energy, manufacturing, and tourism—stemming from spaceports and expanding internationally. ASTRO GATE recognized the global potential of spaceports early on, building a strong track record through collaboration with governments, municipalities, and commercial partners worldwide. It is immensely encouraging to see a Japanese enterprise with such vision and capability stepping up to compete in the international spaceport market.
As a supporting organization, we are fully committed to backing this endeavor with our network and expertise. We look forward to collaborating with like-minded companies to build a future where spaceports serve as vital hubs—connecting people, Earth, and space to unlock new value.”
■ Statement from Kojiro Hatada, President & CEO, Innovative Space Carrier Inc.
“Since August 2024, we have spearheaded the Next-Generation Spaceport Working Group (NSP-WG) to explore next-generation spaceport concepts and social implementation in Japan from both onshore and offshore perspectives. To establish space as a flagship industry for Japan, developing reusable launch vehicles like ‘ASCA’ must go hand-in-hand with building spaceports and their surrounding economic ecosystems—including logistics, energy, and tourism.
The newly launched SAKURA alliance accelerates spaceport planning, operations, and surrounding commercial projects both in Japan and overseas. SAKURA’s international reach perfectly complements NSP-WG, which has focused on convening domestic companies to refine spaceport concepts and tackle key challenges.
By partnering as supporting organizations, NSP-WG’s domestic expertise and SAKURA’s global network will accelerate the development of a robust, infrastructure-driven space economy. We look forward to taking on this challenge alongside Mr. Ode and the ASTRO GATE team as we build the ground infrastructure needed to power global space transportation.”
■ About ASTRO GATE Inc.
ASTRO GATE is a team of specialists providing end-to-end services from strategy formulation to execution, centered on spaceport planning and operation, as well as space business consulting. The company drives numerous projects in collaboration with national governments, local municipalities, major enterprises, and startups.
Registered Office: 136 Aburadai, Akiruno-shi, Tokyo
Headquarters: NOW/HERE Shinjuku Yotsuya, 10-10 Yotsuyasakamachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Representative: Daisuke Ode, Founder & President
Business Activities: Spaceport planning and management, rocket launch support, space business consulting, new business development support, regional revitalization projects
Official Website: https://astrogate.jp/
【Media Inquiries】info@astrogate.jp
