Takeshi Hakamada, CEO and founder of ispace, inc. (TOKYO: 9348), a global lunar exploration company, has announced the formation of the company’s Lunar Advisory Board, composed of distinguished leaders from the space industry. The board members bring diverse, international perspectives to guide ispace’s global lunar ambitions.
The inaugural Lunar Advisory Board includes Jean-Jacques Dordain, former Director General of the European Space Agency; Yoshinori Komiya, former Director General for Space Affairs in Japan’s Cabinet Secretariat; Tomoya Thomas Ochinero, former Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations at SpaceX; and Alan Stern, former Associate Administrator of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (as of September 2024, listed alphabetically).
Hakamada expressed his excitement, stating, “I am pleased to welcome this esteemed group of space industry leaders to help shape ispace as a global leader in the emerging cislunar economy. The board’s diverse expertise will provide a comprehensive and inclusive approach to the challenges we face.”
The committee will offer key insights and strategic recommendations to ispace’s business entities in Japan, Luxembourg, and the U.S. on corporate strategy, policy, technology, national security, and socio-economic considerations. Their experience with major space agencies and commercial ventures will help guide ispace in leading the development of the cislunar economy.
Advisory Board Member Profiles (as of September 2024):
Jean-Jacques Dordain
“I am excited to join the ispace Global Advisory Board and help expand Earth’s frontiers. ispace’s global outlook combines expertise from three continents, and I look forward to contributing while continuing to learn.”
Dordain, the sixth Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA), served from 2003 to 2025, earning recognition from various governments, including France’s National Order of the Legion of Honour. He has held leadership positions in both government and academia, including with the Japanese Space Agency (NASDA) and the International Astronautical Federation.
Yoshinori Komiya
“Ten years ago, ispace was already a prominent space startup in Japan. As a member of this board, I will offer advice from a global perspective to support their lunar exploration initiatives.”
Komiya has served in Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry for 30 years and held the position of Director General for Space Affairs. He was instrumental in revising Japan’s Space Policy and formulating space-related laws. In 2016, he was appointed Commissioner of the Japan Patent Office.
Tomoya Thomas Ochinero
“I am honored to join the ispace Lunar Advisory Board and look forward to helping ispace achieve its inspiring mission.”
Ochinero, former Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations at SpaceX, led the company’s global expansion in space launch services. He is also a co-founder and general partner at Interlagos Capital and previously worked at Goldman Sachs in Tokyo.
Alan Stern
“Joining ispace’s Lunar Advisory Board is a privilege. I look forward to advising the company and contributing to the growth of the commercial lunar economy.”
Stern, NASA’s principal investigator for the New Horizons mission, is a renowned space scientist, commercial astronaut, and member of the U.S. National Science Board. Twice named to Time’s 100 Most Influential People list, Stern is also an aerospace consultant and author of several books and articles.