JAXA Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

The Office of Reliability Promotion and Evaluation consists of six specialists recruited not only from the field of space development, but also from various other industries, such as automotive, airplane, and electronics. Our mission is to pool our different resources and make recommendations for improving reliability at JAXA. We believe that, since not all of us are specialists in space development, we can sometimes see things more objectively. Based on our outside experience, we are hoping to be able not just to make useful proposals, but to explain the background behind them as well, such as when and what should have been done, why something could not have been done, and what needs to be done next.

First we studied in detail a great number of reports on JAXA's space development projects. Then we met with project managers, visited manufacturers and the Tanegashima Space Center, and observed operations towards the resumption of rocket launching. We have submitted a second report to the president of JAXA. At the Tanegashima Space Center, we were also able to observe a flame test and its results.

The first thing we realized was the difficulty of space research and development. We truly became aware of the enormous challenges of ensuring success while many questions remain unanswered. More than a year has passed since the failure of H-IIA F6. I believe the staff who have been involved in this project have gained very valuable experience in design, testing and demonstration, production methods and manufacturing, and the very challenging stage of decision making.
Beyond space development, we all learn a lot from our mistakes. By finding the core causes of mistakes, we can prevent the same problems from happening again. At the same time, it is important to find new ways to prevent new, unrelated mistakes. It is not extreme to say that if you have not experienced failure, you will not be able to plan or carry out a project reliably.

When you are faced with difficulty, it is important to clarify what you are really working towards, and to focus on that goal. For us, the key is to fully understand JAXA's mission, and the overall goals of space development in Japan. It is also important to remember who the customers are. Our customers are the Japanese people, and people from other Asian countries, who receive the benefits of what we are doing. This includes: the collection and distribution of valuable information about global environmental issues; developing safety measures for disasters such as earthquakes and tsunami; communications, broadcasting and navigation applications - the benefits are limitless.
To accomplish these missions, we need first to understand and share the goals of "what can be done" and "what should be done." Then, each department, from research, to design and development, to production, to satellite operations, to public relations, etc., has to clarify its duties down to the individual level. I believe this motivates the staff and encourages them to take pride in their work. We are fortunate to be able to dedicate ourselves to such missions.

There is a limit to what a country can do on its own, but when countries collaborate, we can achieve results on a global scale. At the same time, international competition in technology is also important. Pooling together all the might of JAXA, domestic manufacturers, and other related organizations, we must aim to become number one in the world in the reliability of our satellite-launching operations. I am aware that this is very difficult to accomplish with current budget restrictions and the limitations on the number of launches. However, judging from my direct experience with JAXA, there are many competent staff and motivated young people. We need to think carefully, design well, and manufacture excellent products. To accomplish this, further development in research, technology, methodology, and personnel is necessary. It may take time, but I believe that in space development, steady continuity of thought and continuous improvement are necessary.

As members of the Office of Reliability Promotion and Evaluation, we continue to devote ourselves to making Japan's space program world-class.