Yuko graduated from the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide Aviation Maintenance program.
After working on quality assurance for electrical components for defense and space rockets during the development and mass production phases, as well as type certification for electrical systems for commercial aircraft, she engaged in the operation of the airlock and robotic arm of the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" in the International Space Station.
She then joined Astroscale Holdings Inc. and worked on the operational design of the space debris removal demonstration satellite.