Hideo Itokawa was a prominent Japanese aerospace engineer and a pioneer in the field of rocketry. Born in 1912, he played a crucial role in developing Japan's space program after World War II. Itokawa is best known for his work on the Lunar Exploration Program and the design of the H-IIA rocket, which contributed to Japan's advancements in space technology. In addition to his engineering achievements, Itokawa was also an influential educator and advocate for science and technology. He founded the Space Robotics Laboratory and inspired many young scientists and engineers in Japan. His contributions have left a lasting impact on the country's space exploration efforts.