The SOHLA-1 exploratory satellite, which is also known as Maido Ichigo, was developed by a team of small and midsize companies in Higashi-Osaka, Osaka Prefecture.
"In this serious business slump, I hope SOHLA-1 will provide some encouragement," said Hideyuki Tanahashi, 48, senior executive director of Astro Technology SOHLA, a team set up in Higashi-Osaka to produce the satellite in 2001. SOHLA stands for the Space Oriented Higashi-Osaka Leading Association.
Local manufacturers of aircraft parts and electronic control devices established the team, while students at Osaka Prefecture University, Osaka University and Ryukoku University provided technological support.
"I would be nice if this project would make more young people aware of the value of the manufacturing industry," Tanahashi said.
・・・と「ものづくりの街 東大阪」の「まいど1号」の打ち上げが成功
今後2号・3号・・・と続いて11号では月面着陸
まいど13号では軌跡の生還をはたしてほしい