Iwao Igarashi

Iwao Igarashi is Vice President & General Manager, Space Systems Division, Integrated Defense & Space Systems at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI). Igarashi is responsible for all space related products and services offered by MHI, including development, manufacturing, and operation of space vehicles.

Since joining MHI in 1992, he has participated in development of various space systems as an engineer, an example being the development of H-IIA launch vehicle and its first stage propulsion system. He experienced assistance to the launch conductor and played a key role to initiate commercial launch services at MHI, which was originally transferred from JAXA to MHI, and also he led operations of H-IIA and H-IIB launch vehicles and development of Japanese flagship launch vehicle, H3, as the deputy director of engineering department.

Prior to the current position, he contributed to internal and global customers by providing right space solutions including the launch services, as Vice President & General Manager of the Business Development Department.