Since establishing Astroscale in 2013, Nobu has grown the company from a one-person venture into a global organization with offices in five countries and led it to a successful IPO in 2024.

A highly respected figure in the space industry, Nobu is an Honorary Ambassador of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), a member of the International Academy of Astronautics, an advisory board member of the Space Generation Advisory Council, and a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society. He plays an active role in United Nations forums, contributing to key workshops and committee discussions that shape the global agenda for space sustainability. Nobu previously served as the IAF’s Vice President for Space Economy and Sponsorship and co-chaired the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Space Technologies until 2021.

Under Nobu’s leadership, Astroscale has received numerous accolades, including the IAF Excellence in Industry (SME) in 2023, the Japanese Prime Minister’s Award in 2022, and recognition as one of TIME100’s Most Influential Companies in 2022. Nobu has also received individual recognition, including being named among Via Satellite’s “40 People Who Shaped the Satellite Industry” in 2026, SpaceNews’ Company Leader of the Year in 2020, and Forbes JAPAN’s Start-up of the Year in 2019.

Before founding Astroscale, Nobu was an IT entrepreneur and strategy consultant, managing IT companies across the Asia-Pacific region. He successfully led one company to an IPO. Earlier in his career, he worked at McKinsey & Company and served in the Japanese Ministry of Finance.

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