ASTRO GATE Inc. (Headquarters: Shinjuku, Tokyo; Founder & President: Daisuke Ode; hereinafter “ASTRO GATE”), a multiple spaceport startup, is pleased to announce that CEO Yuki Harada served as a panelist in the Main Hall session “Access to Space” at SINC 2026 (Space for Island Nations Conference), an international conference hosted by the Maldives Space Research Organisation (MSRO) from October 25 to 28, 2026.
Panel Discussion hosted by MSRO, in company with global spaceport and rocket operators.
■ Background: Rising Global Demand for Spaceports
With the increasing frequency of rocket launches worldwide, the global shortage of spaceports has become a critical bottleneck. Beyond the development of launch facilities, recent discussions are increasingly focusing on how spaceport development can benefit host regions—such as local municipalities, island nations, and coastal communities—and generate sustainable economic ripple effects, including job creation, local industry growth, and infrastructure improvement.
■ Discussion Topics: Update on Spaceport Trends and Ground Infrastructure Design for Local Economic Returns
As a private company engaged in the planning and operation of commercial spaceports, CEO Yuki Harada highlighted the role of spaceports as resilient ground infrastructure capable of supporting high-frequency launch operations. He also proposed regional revitalization through the creation of spaceport-centered ecosystems, emphasizing the establishment of local supply chains, the creation of high-skilled employment opportunities, and the expansion of local infrastructure.
Yuki Harada speaking on the panel
ASTRO GATE remains committed to partnering with local governments and private enterprises both in Japan and globally to build sustainable space infrastructure that addresses the pressing challenge of global space access while contributing positively to the local communities.
【Session Overview】
- Event Name: SINC 2026 (Space for Island Nations Conference)
- Organizer: Maldives Space Research Organisation (MSRO)
- Session: Panel: Access to Space
- Date & Time: Sunday, October 25, 2026 | 13:15 – 14:30
- Venue: Main Hall
- Speaker: Yuki Harada, CEO of ASTRO GATE Inc.
- Official URL: https://sinc26.com/
