Japan needs to expand the private sector's role in the nation's space projects to help prevent space programme failures, says a government panel.
The report, compiled by a policy subcommittee of the Space Activities Commission - Japan's top space policy-setting body - calls for easing the operational burden and heavy workload of the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) by tapping private sector personnel and technology. NASDA is charged with carrying out national space projects.
The subcommittee blamed mishaps on technical problems caused by a staff shortage at NASDA and a need for better access to cutting-edge technology.
The report recommends that NASDA concentrate on the development of advanced space technologies by shifting other tasks to the private sector. It also advises building a detailed database of past troubles.
Source: Flight International
