As a result of the successful launch of the H-IIB Launch Vehicle No. 3, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries LTD. (MHI) have agreed to privatize the H-IIB launch service according to the "Basic Agreement on Development and Launch Service of the H-IIB Launch Vehicle."

With this agreement, JAXA will procure launch and transportation services from MHI when a payload is launched by the H-IIB Launch Vehicle.

However, JAXA will continue to take responsibility of safety operations including overall safety confirmation, ground safety assurance, and flight safety and flight data acquisition in the same framework as when an H-IIA Launch Vehicle is launched.

Through the privatization, we can expect to secure Japan's international competitiveness both for the H-IIA and H-IIB by reducing costs, improving quality and energizing activities via efficient and swift management methods of the private sector.

Meanwhile, JAXA would like to engage in enhancing reliability as well as maintaining and operating Japan's launch facilities for Japan's flagship launch vehicle series in order to provide reliable launch means to broader demands.