Assistant Prof. Noboru Itouyama selected as one of the Innovators Under 35 Japan 2025 by MIT Technology Review.

Award Citation

Assistant Professor Itouyama has been advancing research and development on space propulsion technologies utilizing detonation combustion, which propagates through supersonic shock waves in a premixed gas. He has also led two successful in-space demonstrations of this engine system using the S-520 sounding rocket operated by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in 2021 and 2024. Currently, he plays a leading role in the “Research Hub for Innovation in Detonation Engine and Space Propulsion Engineering" (JAXA Space Strategic Fund SX Research and Development Hub, Representative: Professor Jiro Kasahara), driving these activities forward. In recognition of his achievements and contributions to developing technologies that enable compact, high-performance engine systems through detonation combustion, he has been selected as an innovator in the 'Transportation (Space Development)' category.