[Provisional Translation]

I am delighted that today Japan has successfully conducted its first-ever launch of a commercial satellite, using the H-IIA Launch Vehicle No. 29.

The receipt of this order for the launch of a commercial satellite is due to the trust placed in the H-IIA Launch Vehicle, which has been built up through consistent results to date, and the achievement of improvements in launch capabilities. I hope that today’s successful launch will lead to further new orders in the future.

The launch vehicle is manufactured using a combination of technologies from many companies, from major corporations to small and medium enterprises possessing unique technologies. In the development process for this recent launch, various outstanding technologies developed by small and medium enterprises, such as valves and insulation films, have been utilized.

In August the H-II Transfer Vehicle KOUNOTORI successfully delivered supplies to the International Space Station. International expectations concerning Japan’s efforts in space technology development are steadily increasing. We will continue to advance development of space technologies, including launch vehicles and the KOUNOTORI, and further enhance our competitiveness in the space industry.

Shinzo Abe
Prime Minister of Japan
November 24, 2015