An association of small and medium firms in Higashi-Osaka City has obtained official support from Japan’s aerospace agency for its own satellite project.
The Astro Technology SOHLA plans to launch an ultra-small satellite called the Maido No.1 in 2005. “Maido” is a greeting popularly used among the Osaka business community.
The group signed an agreement with the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency to receive technical support related to small satellites and facilities for experimentation, the Yomiuri Online reported Wednesday.
Toyohiko Aoki, head of the association, said the project should encourage small and midsize firms across the nation.
The group will also receive about 700 million yen ($6.3 million) in subsidies from the New Energy Industrial Technology Development Organization. Researchers at Osaka Prefectural University, Tokyo University and Osaka University will also participate in the project.
