Tatsuaki Hashimoto

Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, Tohoku University

Papers

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About

Tatsuaki Hashimoto is a pioneering researcher in the fields of space robotics, autonomous spacecraft navigation, and small-body exploration technology. His most influential work centers on the landmark MUSES-C mission — the world's first asteroid sample return attempt — where he made foundational contributions to the autonomous guidance, navigation, and control systems required for deep-space operations. Recognizing that communication delays make real-time remote control impractical, Hashimoto developed robotic and autonomous technologies enabling spacecraft to independently execute critical maneuvers during final approach and surface contact with near-Earth asteroids. His most-cited paper on this topic has accumulated 20 citations, reflecting its significance to the planetary science and aerospace engineering communities. He also investigated the collision dynamics of visual target markers used for spacecraft navigation near small bodies, advancing the practical tools that enable precision landing in challenging, low-gravity environments. Beyond interplanetary missions, Hashimoto has contributed to micro-satellite development through his affiliation with Tohoku University's Space Robotics Laboratory, where he helped establish model-based simulation and verification frameworks for cost-effective satellite integration. His career represents a meaningful bridge between autonomous robotics and deep-space exploration engineering.