I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations on the successful launch of the first H-IIA rocket.

Reflecting the lessons learned from the unsuccessful launch of the H-II rocket, the H-IIA rocket is Japan's first rocket to achieve a performance level and economic efficiency on a par with other advanced aerospace nations. This successful launch heralds the arrival of a new age in the history of Japan's space development efforts.

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.