New President of JAXA

Nov. 5, 2004

The Cabinet meeting held today approved the appointment of new JAXA President Keiji Tachikawa (current Senior Vice President and Corporate Advisor of NTT Docomo, and Space Activities Commission member) following a request from President Shuichiro Yamanouchi to step down due to health reasons. The new President is scheduled to assume his post on November 15, 2004 after being agreed by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

Statement of the President

Nov. 5, 2004

It is with regret that I offer my resignation from the post of President of Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) for physical reasons.

Under my presidency of former NASDA since July 2000, in the wake of the failure of H-II launch vehicle, we did achieve the successful launches of the Information Gathering Satellite and other satellites by the five H-IIA launch vehicles under the supports and encouragements of the related parties.

With added and challenging responsibility as the first President of JAXA since last October, I have exerted my best efforts for the integration of the three space organizations and the subsequent new progress of space development in Japan.

However, just after the integration, we faced a series of malfunctions and troubles including the failure of H-IIA launch vehicle No.6, for which I felt personal responsibility.

I have, therefore, been working with the executives and employees as a team for the purpose of resuming launches and restoring public trust.

In this context, I'm deeply grateful for the sincere discussions among many people about promoting highly reliable space development, and for the valuable advices and suggestions during these periods.

I earnestly hope that the Japanese space development could regain the greater public trust and make a further leap forward under the leadership of a newly appointed President in the days ahead.