Prime Minister Naoto Kan held the fifth meeting of the Strategic Headquarters for Space Development at the Prime Minister's Office.

Discussions took place on implementation of near-term space policies and establishment of a project team on the quasi-zenith satellite.

The Prime Minister said in his opening address, "This June, the HAYABUSA returned to Earth after a journey to an asteroid 300 million kilometers away. Also, Astronaut Soichi Noguchi returned to Earth after completing his mission at the International Space Station (ISS), which lasted for about five months. I would like to share my joy with the people that Japan's venture in space is producing impressive outcomes. I think they have given a sense of confidence and hope to the people.
As included in the New Growth Strategy, I think it is important to actively promote space policies with a view to restoring Japan as a vigorous country with a strong economy, and sense of security and assurance. In particular, the quasi-zenith satellite MICHIBIKI, which is scheduled to be launched in September this year, is expected to be used in a wide range of areas. Also, capitalizing on Japan's strengths, it is extremely important to promote our space systems as a package in overseas markets in order to promote a strong economy."