丸山 真幸

Interview

A new resolve to pursue space lasers after observing the International Space Station with my daughter

Masayuki Maruyama

Acting Head of Technical Development
Technical Lead for Laser Development

丸山 真幸

During his student days, Mr. Maruyama focused on developing optical elements for lasers, and after obtaining his PhD, he worked at the venture company MegaOpto, which originated from the National Institutes of RIKEN, where he was involved in developing laser equipment. During his time at RIKEN, he achieved advanced technological developments, such as collaborating with prestigious universities, major optical equipment manufacturers, and leading medical device companies to develop innovative laser systems for medical diagnostic equipment as part of national projects. He later became the main person in charge of a joint development project between SKY Perfect JSAT and RIKEN to develop space lasers, which led him to begin working on lasers for space debris removal. He is currently leading laser development and technical management at Orbital Lasers Inc., where he is responsible for advancing projects and managing engineers.

Q1. What is your background prior to joining Orbital Lasers?

Over 20 years of research in solid-state lasers and wavelength conversion, transitioning to the space field based on experience at RIKEN.

During my student days, I majored in applied physics and was part of a research lab focused on optical communications. I developed laser wavelength conversion devices at the National Institute for Molecular Science and the National Institute for Materials Science, achieving the world's highest efficiency and receiving two academic awards for my work. After obtaining my PhD, I joined a venture company originating from RIKEN that developed laser equipment, which was quite unusual at the time for someone with a PhD. In addition to development work, I also gained hands-on experience in technical sales and shipment preparations, which in hindsight, I’m glad I experienced. Later, I moved to RIKEN, where I worked on groundbreaking projects such as lasers for medical diagnostic equipment, the world’s first laser-based precision sampling device for Antarctic ice cores, and non-destructive laser visualization technology for biodegradable fiber-reinforced plastics. My time at the venture and RIKEN helped me significantly grow as both an engineer and a researcher.

Q2. What motivated you to join Orbital Lasers?

The space debris I discovered while observing the ISS with my daughter made space feel close, leading to my resolve to dedicate my career to developing space lasers.

While at RIKEN, I had the opportunity to participate in a joint research project with SKY Perfect JSAT on space lasers. At that time, "space" felt very distant to me. However, one day while observing the International Space Station with my daughter for her science project, we noticed a strange light. It turned out to be space debris. That was the first time I truly felt the reality of space debris. It was a strange experience that made the development of space lasers suddenly feel very close. At that moment, I felt a surge of energy and made up my mind: "From now on, I will fully dedicate myself to the space industry."

Q3. What is the atmosphere like within the company?

A culture where knowledge and know-how are shared freely, creating an environment of absorption and synergy among specialists.

At Orbital Lasers, specialists from various fields, including "space" and "lasers," have come together. Veteran engineers, with their extensive experience, are highly receptive to new technologies and developments, and they are also keen on nurturing the next generation. Meanwhile, the younger engineers absorb knowledge and skills like sponges, which often surprises me. CEO Fukushima also never leaves any uncertainty unresolved, a trait that has naturally spread throughout the company. This has created a culture where we engage in thorough discussions and trial-and-error until we reach satisfactory solutions. This open relationship, where age, rank, or expertise don’t hinder discussions, is one of the things I really appreciate and enjoy about working at Orbital Lasers.

Q4. What is your current role?

Leading the development of debris removal and LiDAR technology using high-efficiency, high-precision lasers as Chief Technology Officer.

Currently, I’m leading the laser development division for space debris removal. While there are other companies working on debris removal, Orbital Lasers is the only one utilizing laser technology. This technology, which is highly compatible with space, is attracting attention for its high efficiency and precision, and it is also being applied to the development of LiDAR technology. There are still many technical challenges, but at Orbital Lasers, we believe in the potential of "space × lasers," and we aim to launch our product into space to provide services.

Q5. What kind of people would you like to work with?

Curiosity to learn even in fields outside your expertise and a flexible mindset to understand the unknown are essential for advancing technology development.

We are working on technology that no one has achieved yet, which is why broad perspectives and flexible thinking are essential. At Orbital Lasers, we have engineers who not only focus on their areas of expertise but also actively learn about other fields, expanding their knowledge every day. This effort cultivates the ability to think several steps ahead and derive solutions, as well as to understand others’ opinions with high clarity. I hope that new members will maintain a flexible attitude, eager to understand the unknown without being constrained by existing values. It would be fantastic if, together, we could achieve results that amaze the world.