(Provisional Translation) Comment by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on the Successful Launch of the Third H-IIA Rocket September 10, 2002

I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations on the successful launch of the third H-IIA rocket. This is the third successful launch in succession since last year. I am delighted, not only because it confirms that Japan possesses world-class rocket technology, but because it dispels the concerns expressed recently in regard to Japan's technological level. I look forward to seeing further advances in Japan's development and utilization of outer space following on the momentum generated by this successful launch.