Private firms have sights set on the stars Higashi-Osaka a.

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun/Daily Yomiuri)

Private firms have sights set on the stars Higashi-Osaka association aiming to turn a profit from satellite manufacturin

Keiko Chino Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer

Yomiuri

An increasing number of small corporations and ventures are seeking to launch satellites into space and start space-related businesses.

The nation's space development no longer appears to be the monopoly of the government and a handful of major corporations today.

The government welcomes the move, hoping it will revitalize the industry, which has been struggling after recent failures.

An association of small and midsize companies in Higashi-Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, pioneered private sector involvement in space development in this country.

Established in late 2002, Astro Technology Sohla aims to launch small satellites from next fiscal year. It was featured in a …