Tokyo, Japan, July 29, 2025 — ArkEdge Space Inc. (“ArkEdge Space”), a Japanese space startup based in Tokyo that provides comprehensive solutions from planning and design to mass production and operation of micro-satellite constellations, is pleased to announce that Dr. Nobuhiro Funabiki, Executive Officer and General Manager of the Production Department, has been selected for the Via Satellite’s 2025 Rising Stars list. This prestigious annual recognition highlights 25 global professionals under the age of 35 around the world who are shaping the future of the satellite and space sectors through innovation, leadership, and global collaboration.
Dr. Funabiki was honored for his pioneering work in leading the development of a standardized and mission-flexible microsatellite bus architecture—guiding the design, engineering, and mass production of flight hardware. He successfully oversaw the simultaneous development and manufacturing of seven satellites with diverse missions, including hosted payload services and remote sensing, all of which achieved successful in-orbit demonstration.
Via Satellite revealed its 2025 Rising Stars list on Monday, July 28, 2025:
https://interactive.satellitetoday.com/via/august-2025/via-satellite-rising-stars-of-2025
“Dr. Funabiki exemplifies the spirit of next-generation leadership in the space sector,” said Takayoshi Fukuyo, CEO of ArkEdge Space. “His strategic foresight, engineering depth, and people-first leadership are shaping not only our company’s growth, but also the broader trajectory of the global space economy’s future.”
“It’s a great honor to be recognized by Via Satellite,” said Dr. Nobuhiro Funabiki. “More than anything, this award reflects the dedication and continued efforts of our entire team. Guided by our mission — ‘Empowering people with satellites for a prosperous future’—we will continue to advance our technological capabilities and contribute to solving global challenges.”
While pursuing his Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the Graduate School of Engineering at the University of Tokyo, Nobuhiro joined ArkEdge Space as a founding engineer. He has been instrumental in building not only its technical foundations, but also a culture of inclusive, cross-generational innovation. Since 2022, he has led the Production Department—one of the core units within ArkEdge Space—in overseeing the full lifecycle of satellite design and development to launch and post-deployment operations.
Respected for his ability to bridge strategic vision with hands-on execution, he mentors a diverse, multi-generational team where engineers are empowered. With a strong commitment to field-aligned leadership, he continues to drive the question: How can we expand the value of micro-satellites to serve an increasingly diverse range of missions? His approach has maximized team potential and helped scale ArkEdge’s capabilities globally.
About ArkEdge Space
ArkEdge Space is a Japanese space technology company offering end-to-end solutions for micro-satellite constellations—from planning and design to mass production and operations. Guided by its mission of “empowering people with satellites for a prosperous future,” the company is advancing capabilities in Earth observation, maritime satellite communications (VDES), optical communications, and low-Earth orbit satellite positioning, as well as lunar activities and deep space exploration. Through our mission, ArkEdge Space continues to drive the advancement of space innovation and its practical application.
Head Office Location
3F, Dome Ariake Headquarter, 1-3-33 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan
CEO: Takayoshi FUKUYO
Founded: in July 2018
Website: https://arkedgespace.com/