Interstellar Welcomes Talent from 7 Companies, Including 3 Toyota Affiliates

Interstellar Technologies Inc. (“Interstellar”), a leading space infrastructure company dedicated to addressing global challenges through space transportation and utilization, has welcomed new secondees from Smart Implement Inc., Toyota Auto Body Co., Ltd., and Kozo Keikaku Engineering Inc. With engineers from seven organizations, including three Toyota affiliates, Interstellar is leveraging Japan’s renowned manufacturing expertise—particularly from the automotive sector—to develop low-cost, high-frequency rockets that meet the demands of the global market.

Integrating Cross-Industry Manufacturing Expertise

Beginning in the fiscal year of 2024, Interstellar has welcomed new secondees from Smart Implement Inc., Toyota Auto Body Co., Ltd., and Kozo Keikaku Engineering Inc, with one individual from each organization. Interstellar introduced its secondment program in 2020, starting with Toyota Motor Corporation, and now hosts 10 secondees from seven companies. This includes three from Toyota Motor Corporation, two from Toyota Motor Hokkaido,Inc., and one each from Hagiwara Construction Industry, Nisso Corporation, Smart Implement Inc., Toyota Auto Body Co., Ltd., and Kozo Keikaku Engineering Inc. Driven by the mission of making space accessible to everyone, Interstellar has established comprehensive in-house process—from design and production to testing and quality control—enabling the development of  cost-effective rockets.In an industry that traditionally emphasizes proven track records and often faces challenges in adopting new approaches and technologies, Interstellar seeks to integrate non-aerospace fabrication philosophies and methodologies to further its mission. The newly arrived engineers bring expertise across diverse domains, including engine building, manufacturing technology, assembly, quality assurance, electronic equipment design, and facility planning, fostering a culture of mutual growth and innovation.

Statement from Motoyuki Suzuki, Smart Implement Inc. (CEO of 4th.ai)

We are proud to contribute our technical expertise in support of the Interstellar’s mission. The space era feels like it’s just around the corner, yet there seem to be few companies in Japan actively involved in the space industry. Through the guest engineer program, we hope to inspire not only ourselves but also more Japanese companies and engineers to engage in this exciting field.

Smart Implement Inc.

Established in 2009, Smart Implement Inc. has been at the forefront of in advanced technology development, particularly in vehicle control systems for the automotive industry. In 2021, the company launched its internal startup, 4th.ai, ocused on developing next-generation mobility solutions using cutting-edge technologies such as AI, IoT, and robotics. Building on its strong technological foundation, Smart Implement is now expanding its expertise into areas like space exploration, autonomous driving, and urban development, aiming to create a society where people and goods can travel seamlessly.

Location: 4th Floor, Fujikasai Toyota Building, 1-13-11 Kosaka-honmachi, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture

Representative: Koichiro Sato, CEO

Business: Development and support for control systems, information systems, and electronic components for automobiles

Statement from Tomoyasu Ookado, Vehicle Planning & Production Engineering Division, Toyota Auto Body Co., Ltd.

As we take on commercial projects, we aim to contribute to the development of manufacturing systems that meet the rigorous quality standards required for rockets, while supporting profitable operations in small-batch, diverse production environments. We also look forward to gaining valuable insights and experiences through our collaboration with Interstellar, helping our engineers cultivate the adaptability needed to succeed in an ever-evolving industry.

Toyota Auto Body Co., Ltd.

Toyota Auto Body is a leading vehicle manufacturer within the Toyota group, specializing in minivans, commercial vehicles, and SUVs, with a focus on enhancing people’s lives. To proactively address social challenges in the automotive industry, Toyota Auto Body manages Toyota Motor Corporation’s van business, overseeing the entire process from planning and development to the production of customer-oriented vehicles. Committed to providing safe mobility solutions, the company also emphasizes product development and manufacturing innovations that contribute to environmental preservation, including efforts towards carbon neutrality. Through its global operations, Toyota Auto Body aims to promote balanced and sustainable development.

Location: 100 Kanayama, Ichiriyama-cho, Kariya City, Aichi Prefecture

Representative: Katsuhiro Matsuo, CEO

Business: Planning, development, and production of Toyota vehicles

Statement from Kaori Watanabe, SBD Engineering Department Manager at Kozo Keikaku Engineering Inc.

We’re thrilled to work with state-of-the-art technology in rocket development. We look forward to applying our extensive experience and expertise in simulation technology to support this exciting project. We believe that collaboration among engineers with diverse backgrounds will foster mutual growth and are eager to see our technology play a crucial role in advancing rocket development.

Kozo Keikaku Engineering Inc.

Kozo Keikaku Engineering is a technical consulting firm dedicated to applying engineering expertise to address societal challenges. Since its establishment as a structural design office in 1956, the company has expanded into diverse fields including construction, disaster prevention, information and communication, manufacturing, and decision support. Serving as a bridge between academia, research institutions, and the business world, Kozo Keikaku Engineering provides consulting and product services grounded in technical knowledge. The firm is committed to tackling the complex challenges of modern society through its innovative solutions.

Location: Holstein Building, 4-38-13 Honmachi, Nakano City, Tokyo

Representative: Tatsuo Yuguchi, CEO

Business: Engineering consulting and product services in the fields of construction, disaster prevention, information and communication, manufacturing, and decision-making support