Shinichi Nakasuka graduated from the University of Tokyo in 1983 and earned his Doctor of Engineering in 1988.

After conducting research on artificial intelligence and factory automation at IBM Japan, he joined the University of Tokyo in 1990 and became Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics in 2004.

Since April 2026, he has been a Professor at Ritsumeikan University's Research Organization of Science and Technology and Special Aide to the President. He is expected to become Dean of the Graduate School of Frontier Exploration in Earth and Space, planned to open in April 2028.

His research focuses on microsatellites, autonomous space systems, and spacecraft guidance, navigation, and control.

A pioneer in microsatellite development, he successfully launched the world's first 1 kg microsatellite in 2003 and has launched 16 microsatellites to date.

From 2012 to 2022, he served on the Cabinet Office's Committee on Space Policy and chaired its Basic Policy Subcommittee. He currently serves as a Program Officer (PO) for multiple technology development themes under JAXA's Space Strategy Fund.

He enjoys sports, including running about 15 kilometers a week, tennis, and skiing. He is also an avid film enthusiast and has watched 2001: A Space Odyssey 29 times.