ispace Launches Board to Advance Cislunar Economy

ispace, a global lunar exploration company, has taken a step to drive the development of the cislunar economy with the formation of a new Lunar Advisory Board. Led by prominent space industry leaders, the board aims to offer global perspectives and strategic insights to guide ispace’s international ventures in Japan, Luxembourg, and the United States.

The newly appointed board comprises notable figures such as Jean-Jacques Drdain, former Director General, European Space Agency (ESA); Yoshinori Komiya, former Director General, Space Affairs, Japan's Cabinet Ministry; Tomoya Thomas Ochinero, former Senior Vice President, Commercial Business at SpaceX; and Alan Stern, former Associate Administrator, NASA’s Science Mission Directorate. The diverse backgrounds of these advisors provide a comprehensive international viewpoint.

“I am pleased to welcome this group of esteemed leaders from the space industry to guide ispace in its role as an international leader in the cislunar economy. My goal in forming this advisory board was to gather a group of individuals with varied international experiences, offering not just a singular vision but a global and integrative approach to the challenges we face,” said Takeshi Hakamada, CEO and founder, ispace. 

The advisory board is expected to provide critical recommendations on business strategy, technology, national security, and socio-economic assessments to executives across ispace’s three major offices. Additionally, they will contribute to the broader goal of establishing a sustainable cislunar economy through collaboration with key players in space agencies and commercial enterprises.

“It is a great responsibility and honor to take on this role. ispace is creating a global future using knowledge from three continents. In return, I will continue to learn, as that has always been the driving force of my life,” said Jean-Jacques Dordain. 

Dordain has also held several academic positions and has been recognized with honors such as the French National Order of the Legion of Honor. His leadership at ESA included pioneering projects that advanced European capabilities in space exploration, positioning him as a key asset to ispace’s advisory team.

“When I held the position of Director of Space Strategy at Japan’s Cabinet Ministry 10 years ago, ispace was already one of the leading space companies in Japan. I will strive to provide the best possible advice from a global perspective to support ispace’s ongoing lunar exploration programs,” Komiya added.

Komiya played a crucial role in shaping Japan’s Basic Space Policy and in drafting legislation for space activities and satellite remote sensing. His insights into regulatory frameworks and international space law will provide valuable guidance as ispace navigates the evolving space economy.

“It is an honor to join ispace’s Lunar Advisory Board. I look forward to working with my colleagues to support ispace in achieving its exciting and inspiring mission,” said Ochinero, who now serves as co-founder and general partner at Interlagos Capital in Los Angeles.

“ispace is a leader in commercial lunar development. I am honored and excited to be part of the distinguished Lunar Advisory Board. I look forward to helping guide the company and its executive team in advancing the commercial lunar economy,” added Stern.

In addition to his work with NASA, Stern has contributed to US space policy as a member of the National Science Board. His extensive career also includes work as a commercial astronaut and authorship of numerous technical papers and books on space exploration.