板谷 優輝

Interview

Our technology, to space. Dreaming of the day I stand alongside my children, continuing the challenge

Yuki Itaya

Technical Development Team
Engineer

板谷 優輝

I majored in aerospace engineering during my undergraduate and graduate years and was part of a lab focusing on debris research. I joined SKY Perfect JSAT as a new graduate in 2018, where I worked in the satellite control center, engaged in "monitoring communication satellites" and "building monitoring infrastructure." Later, I transferred to the headquarters and gained experience in various roles such as "procurement projects for geostationary communication satellites" and "designing satellite communication services." Around the same time, I volunteered to participate in the space debris removal project led by Orbital Lasers' founder, Fukushima, as part of a startup program within SKY Perfect JSAT. In January 2024, I joined Orbital Lasers as a founding member. Privately, I am a father of two.

Q1. What field did you research during your student years?

In high school, I learned that even in space, there was a "garbage problem." My university and graduate days were filled with debris research.

I had always felt a vague admiration for "space" since childhood. During high school, I attended an open campus event at Kyushu University, where I met a professor who was a leading authority in space debris research. When I heard him speak, I was shocked to learn, "There's a garbage problem in space too!" and I became deeply interested in space debris. After graduating high school, I enrolled in that university and joined the professor’s research lab. There, I worked on research related to debris orbit calculations and mapping (tracking where debris exists in space). My student life revolved entirely around debris research, but I was fully engrossed since it was the field I wanted to pursue.

Q2. What inspired you to join Orbital Lasers?

I wanted to take on a major challenge as an engineer at Orbital Lasers, a company at the forefront of "space debris removal.

Even during my job search, I was interested in the "debris problem," but at the time, I couldn't quite see how debris removal could become a viable business. So, I decided to join SKY Perfect JSAT to broadly involve myself in the space industry. However, after joining, I happened to meet Fukushima, now the CEO of Orbital Lasers, who shared his vision of "debris removal using space lasers." In that instant, my passion for the debris problem was reignited. Shortly after, Fukushima launched the "Debris Removal Project" within SKY Perfect JSAT, and I immediately volunteered to join. Initially, I worked concurrently with other roles, but since the establishment of Orbital Lasers in 2024, I've been fully committed to the project at the Kawasaki office. I often recall my former professor’s words: "If we don't solve the debris problem, space development will come to a standstill." I feel that Orbital Lasers is truly at the forefront of addressing this challenge.

Q3. What is the atmosphere like within the company?

We can easily engage in discussions with specialists from various fields. Every day is a learning experience in this enriched environment.

In the company, there are many engineers around my age, as well as senior engineers with extensive experience. People who have worked on satellite development, launches, and operations, those with project management experience at JAXA, and others who have been involved in large-scale national projects are working right next to me, as if it's the most natural thing. I often get opportunities to sit down and discuss or seek advice from these senior engineers, making every day a learning experience. In addition, in the tasks I handle, I communicate not only with members at the Kawasaki office but also with those from RIKEN. Regardless of their field, everyone is approachable and flat in terms of hierarchy, making it easy to share opinions and ideas regardless of age or position.

Q4. What are your current responsibilities?

"Our goal to pioneer space with lasers" is steadily taking shape. Every time we advance to a new development phase, my motivation surges.

At Orbital Lasers, I am involved in the design and development of satellites, schedule coordination, managing joint research with partner universities, and even handling internal infrastructure, in two key business areas: "space debris removal" and "satellite lidar." Working alongside colleagues who share the same goals makes any task proceed quickly and dynamically, filling my daily work with a sense of fulfillment. Moreover, in the development projects, whenever we share progress internally upon moving to the next phase, I can feel that Orbital Lasers' mission to "pioneer space with lasers" is becoming a reality step by step, which greatly boosts my motivation.

Q5. What kind of people do you want to work with?

Those who never lose their sense of wonder for space and trust in the capabilities of Orbital Lasers and its members.

I think Orbital Lasers is the right place for those who resonate with the company's unique technology to "capture and remove debris with lasers from a distance" and feel excited about its potential. I was deeply moved when I first heard about this concept myself. However, the day-to-day work comes with various restrictions and limitations, including finite schedules and budgets. We often face challenges where there are no clear answers. But, for those who can turn their passion for space into motivation during such times, I believe they will thrive at Orbital Lasers. I currently have two young children, and I work with the dream of one day standing with them to witness a satellite launch. As an engineer, I also carry the grand ambition of one day being involved in all phases of a satellite's journey—from development to launch and operation.