22-10-2012, 03:41 PM
NAL Research Progress 2002-2003
ABSTRACT
The role of the National Aerospace Laboratory (NAL) is to conduct research and investigations which will advance to
aeronautics and space technology and to provide large-scale test facilities to be shared with other governmental organizations.
Since its foundation in 1955, NAL has made significant technological contributions to almost all areas related to the
development of aircraft, rockets and spacecraft in Japan. As of October 1, 2003 NAL will continue as part of the Japan
Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), formed by the merger between Japan’s three main space research and development
organizations. This last report describes the NAL’s major accomplishments in 2002. It highlights both the broad range of
research at NAL, and the contributions of this work toward the advancement of aerospace technology in Japan.