(Provisional Translation)

Comment by the Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda
(The Successful Launch of the Information Gathering Satellites by the Fifth H-IIA Rocket)

I am delighted that today the information gathering satellites were successfully launched by the Fifth H-IIA Rocket.

From now on it will be necessary to conduct confirmation tests to check the function and capabilities of the satellites, and once in full operation, the Government of Japan considers that the satellites will strengthen information-gathering capabilities required to ensure the safety of Japan.

28 March 2003
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda