MEXT Minister Hirano’s Press Conference Comments on the 21st H-ⅡA Rocket launch carrying the Global Change Observation Mission water “Shizuku”（GCOM-W）

May 18, 2012

The 21st H-ⅡA Rocket carrying the Global Change Observation Mission water “Shizuku” (GCOM-W) was successfully launched into orbit today. We hope that the satellite continues to function smoothly and accomplishes its intended mission of continuous world-wide observations for monitoring global water circulation and climate change.

Along with succeeding in the 15th consecutive launch of the H-ⅡA rocket, the successful commercial liftoff of the KOMPSAT-3 satellite developed by the Korean Aerospace Research Institute has marked Japan’s entry into the commercial satellite launch business. It is, furthermore, testimony to our nation’s tangible progress towards establishing a solid reputation for its world-class reliable main rockets.

We hope that Japan’s main rockets contribute to the international community and improve our nation’s well being. MEXT will provide the adequate facilities and necessary conditions in order for this technology to be actively applied in the international market, and will help realize humanity’s dreams of utilizing our main rockets for future space development.