In order to ensure the successful launch of the H3 Launch Vehicle Test Flight No. 2, we are proceeding with direct countermeasures, which was reported in the investigation to find out the cause of the launch failure of the H3 Launch Vehicle Test Flight No. 1 at the Investigation and Safety Subcommittee. We are also proceeding with countermeasures based on factors behind the failed launch and the design of measures to improve the reliability of the H3 Launch Vehicle.
The acceptance firing test on the LE-9 engine to be mounted on the H3 Launch Vehicle Test Flight No.2 was carried out on October 15, and we are currently conducting the detailed evaluation of the acquired data.
Since additional data acquisition is needed for acceptance, we are preparing for a second acceptance firing test. After the completion of this acceptance test, we are planning to conduct the latter half of the qualification firing test for the LE-9 engine Type 1A.

Regarding the investigation into the cause of the explosion and fire accident during the second stage motor ground firing test of the Epsilon S Launch Vehicle, we are currently continuing to narrow down the cause through analysis and test verification. Lateral spread to SRB-3 is also being conducted in parallel with the investigation of the cause, and we will report on the progress at the next meeting of the Investigation and Safety Subcommittee.

I attended the 74th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), which was held in Baku, Azerbaijan from October 2 to 4. The congress, which is organized annually by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), is the world's largest gathering of the space community from around the world to present academic research results, exchange information on space development, and engage in networking.

I took the platform in the heads of space agencies session and panel, introducing JAXA's efforts in space exploration and contribution to the sustainability of space activities, etc.
I also met with space agencies officials including NASA and government officials from various countries to further strengthen cooperation between agencies and to discuss possibilities for future cooperation. The UK Space Agency and JAXA agreed to start bilateral collaboration on "InRange," a development project that aims to improve the flexibility of the H3 Launch Vehicle's launch trajectory planning from the perspective of international competitiveness and to meet various launch needs by applying the rocket tracking service using the geostationary satellite network of the UK's Viasat to the H3 Launch Vehicle. The UK Space Agency, JAXA, the UK’s Viasat, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. and NEC Space Technologies Ltd. will participate in this development project to develop technologies and conduct a flight demonstration on the H3 Launch Vehicle.
During the session, a meeting was also held, as proposed by NASA, among the countries that signed the Artemis Accords. I co-chaired the meeting along with the Deputy Administrator of NASA and the President of the Polish Space Agency. Against the backdrop of increasingly active lunar surface activities, we discussed ways to avoid interference by our own lunar surface activities with those of other countries and ways to encourage emerging countries to participate in lunar exploration. During this meeting, we confirmed the need to begin disclosing information about activities of lunar exploration plans as part of civilian mission to be held in the near future as one way to avoid interference with lunar surface activities, from the perspective of ensuring transparency.

I believe it was very significant for JAXA to be able to increase its presence overseas, promote cooperation among space agencies, and contribute to taking a major step toward an international consensus on international space exploration.

Although it has cooled down considerably in October, this summer has been extremely hot. Especially in July, I understand that the monthly average temperature recorded the highest on record in Japan and in the world.
Thus, Earth observation satellites around the world are being used to monitor climate change such as global warming that is progressing on a global scale. Satellites excel in observing conditions in the polar regions such as the ocean and Antarctic sea ice, as well as homogeneous observations of the entire Earth.

JAXA has launched the "Climate Change 2023 Special Site" to provide the general public with easy-to-understand information on topics related to the high-temperature trend in 2023, using data from Earth observation satellites. This feature is scheduled to run three times, and we have so far published the second installment. A third installment will be published by the end of this year.
This special site provides explanations from three perspectives. The first installment is "ocean," in other words "sea surface temperature.” The second installment of "Antarctic Sea Ice Extent" is based on the observation results of JAXA's Global Change Observation Mission - Water “SHIZUKU” satellite, and the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR) series. In the third installment, we will focus on “heat waves and forest fires,” providing analyses based mainly on the observation data from the Global Change Observation Mission - Climate “SHIKISAI.”

JAXA is also developing the Global Observing SATellite for Greenhouse gases and Water cycle (GOSAT-GW), which will carry successor sensors to the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer series, and the Cloud Profiling Radar to be carried on the EarthCARE satellite that will observe clouds and aerosols, or atmospheric particles that affect global temperature changes. JAXA will steadily prepare for the launch and operation of these satellites and sensors. In addition, we will continue to work to present results accomplished by satellites and sensors currently in operation, and will also work closely with domestic and international research institutions and communities to address global-scale issues.