Japan Wants to Double Space Industry Spending in 10 Years

Space industry funding to double in next 10 years
The Yomiuri Shimbun

Funding to the nation’s space industry will rise from the current 7 trillion yen to about 15 trillion yen in 10 years, the government said, under a plan aimed at promoting private-sector involvement in developing space technology.

The decision was made Tuesday at the first meeting of the Strategic Headquarters for Space Policy since the Democratic Party of Japan took power in September. Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama chairs the body.

Projects the government plans to use the official development assistance for include satellite construction in emerging-economy nations, a compact rocket-launch vehicle, and incentives for universities and companies to develop cheap satellite technology.

The funding boost is likely to be incorporated in a new economic growth strategy the government plans to compile in June.

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