ispace Legal Department Named Finalist for ALB Japan Law Awards 2026, a First for a Japanese Space Startup

ispace, inc. (Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Takeshi Hakamada; TSE: 9348) has been named a finalist for the 'Technology, Media and Telecommunications In-House Team of the Year' at the 'ALB JAPAN LAW AWARDS 2026,' hosted by Asian Legal Business (ALB), a Thomson Reuters publication.

This award recognizes outstanding achievements by corporate legal departments and law firms in Japan. ispace is the first Japanese space startup to reach the finals of this prestigious event. The selection reflects the Legal and Compliance Department's success in strengthening global collaboration and executing complex contracts, including payload service agreements. Furthermore, the team was praised for enhancing global export control systems, which are vital for the secure management and utilization of advanced technologies in the space sector.

In an industry requiring multi-country technical cooperation and regulatory compliance, the legal function is a critical pillar for business growth. Ryota Kaneko, Global General Counsel of ispace, commented: 'We are honored to be named a finalist. The space industry demands innovation balanced with robust legal frameworks. Our team remains committed to our philosophy of "enabling the business" as we support the realization of ispace's mission.'

Currently, ispace operates across Japan, Luxembourg, and the U.S. with approximately 350 staff. Following Mission 1 in 2023, the company plans Mission 2 for 2025. Future milestones include the deployment of a lunar orbiter in 2027 (Mission 2.5), the launch of the 'ULTRA' lander model for Mission 3 in 2028, and Mission 4 in 2029. Mission 5, led by the U.S. entity as part of Team Draper, is scheduled for 2030 to contribute to NASA’s Artemis program.