ASTRO GATE Announces Change in Executive Leadership. Former JAXA Launch Site Engineer Taichi Nakao Appointed CTO; Former COO & CSO Harada Promoted to CEO.
Strengthening of Executive Structure and Establishment of CTO Role to Accelerate Global Spaceport Development and Operations
ASTRO GATE Inc. (Headquartered in Akiruno City, Tokyo; hereinafter “ASTRO GATE”), a company engaged in the research, planning, and operation of spaceports—key infrastructure for rocket launches and landings—announces a new executive leadership structure effective April 1. As part of this change, the company has newly established the position of Chief Technology Officer (CTO), to which Taichi Nakao, a former launch engineer at JAXA, has been appointed.
Overview of the New Executive Structure
Under the new leadership structure, former CEO Daisuke Ode will assume the role of President, while Yuki Harada, formerly COO and CSO, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO). With this transition, ASTRO GATE aims to further strengthen its capacity to take a leading role in the development and operation of spaceports around the world and to accelerate its business expansion.
Taichi Nakao, the newly appointed CTO, is a highly experienced engineer who previously worked at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). At JAXA, he was involved in the planning and management of launch site operations at the Tanegashima Space Center and the Uchinoura Space Center. He has been instrumental in the launch operations of H-IIA/H-IIB and Epsilon rockets. Notably, in FY2017, Nakao contributed to the successful execution of multiple launches, six flagship rocket launches—a domestic record in Japan for a single year.
During the development of the H3 rocket, Nakao led the development of ground equipment, including the movable launcher and umbilical system, and was engaged in integrated testing, engine combustion tests, and comprehensive system tests and launches at the launch site. Following the failure of the first test flight, he played a key role as a launch site engineer in the successive successes of test flights No. 2 through No. 5.
With Nakao’s extensive expertise as a launch site engineer, his appointment as CTO will enable ASTRO GATE to design and operate spaceports with enhanced technical precision. Leveraging his deep knowledge and experience, ASTRO GATE will accelerate its technological development and continue its growth trajectory.
Message from CTO Taichi Nakao
Throughout my career, I have been involved in the development and operation of launch sites such as the Tanegashima Space Center, as well as in the launch operations of Japan’s flagship rockets. My passion has always been to contribute to building a world where space is accessible to everyone.
Spaceports serve not only as gateways to space but also as hubs where people can feel closely connected to the forefront of space development—whether it’s satellite maintenance or rocket launches. They also play a key role in regional development and form the foundation of the broader space industry.
At ASTRO GATE, I am excited to work alongside a highly talented and energetic team as a “Multiple Spaceport Operator” involved in the planning, development, and operation of spaceports around the globe. I will leverage my experience at JAXA in launch site development and operations to contribute to ASTRO GATE’s mission from a technical perspective and support its continued growth.
Message from CEO Yuki Harada
I am honored to assume the role of Chief Executive Officer at ASTRO GATE.
Until now, I have served as COO and CSO, working closely with stakeholders such as governments and private-sector partners across the globe to drive forward our spaceport-related initiatives and rocket launch operations.
As CEO, I will further strengthen my commitment to the company’s leadership and work alongside our newly appointed CTO, Mr. Nakao, to accelerate the formation, advancement, and global expansion of spaceport projects both in Japan and abroad.
Message from President Daisuke Ode
I am Daisuke Ode, newly appointed President of ASTRO GATE.
With the establishment of the Chief Technology Officer position, we are pleased to welcome Mr. Taichi Nakao—an experienced launch site engineer from JAXA—into our leadership team. His deep technical expertise will enable us to strengthen our role in spaceport development projects, which are expected to expand significantly in the coming years.
Additionally, by appointing Mr. Harada as CEO—who has taken a leading role in promoting overseas spaceport initiatives—we are positioning ASTRO GATE to accelerate our mission of becoming a global operator of spaceports. We look forward to pushing the boundaries of space infrastructure together.
About ASTRO GATE
ASTRO GATE is on a mission to create new connections for humanity through the development and operation of spaceports.
We offer a comprehensive suite of services covering everything from spaceport research and planning to full-scale operations. Our offerings include rocket launch support services, co-creation of space-related businesses centered on spaceports, and consulting services tailored to the evolving needs of the space industry.
Website: https://astrogate.jp/
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