Keisuke Yoshihara
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Tokyo Institute of Technology
Papers
2
Total Citations
46
H-Index
2
About
Keisuke Yoshihara is a pioneering researcher in orbital robotics and satellite servicing, whose work has laid critical groundwork for the safe and sustainable use of space. His primary research areas include on-orbit maintenance, autonomous satellite capture, and space manipulator systems. Yoshihara’s major contributions are centered on developing the technologies necessary to repair, refuel, and remove defunct satellites—a field essential for mitigating space debris and extending satellite lifespans. His most cited work, “Preliminary experiments on technologies for satellite orbital maintenance using Micro-LabSat 1” (2004, 24 citations), demonstrates the feasibility of performing maintenance tasks directly in the orbital environment. Equally influential is his “Ground experiment system for dual-manipulator-based capture of damaged satellites” (2002, 22 citations), which introduced a novel ground-based simulator using two 7-DOF robotic arms and floating testbeds to replicate the dynamics of capturing a tumbling target in microgravity. These experiments provided critical validation for dual-arm robotic capture strategies, directly influencing the design of modern space servicing missions. Yoshihara’s work remains a cornerstone for researchers and engineers developing autonomous rendezvous and capture systems, showcasing how ground-based testing can bridge the gap between concept and orbital reality.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
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- 2