Japan's H-IIA rocket should be a "partner" rather than a competitor, to increase flexibility in meeting customer needs, such as a shift in the launching date, Jean-Marie Luton, visiting chairman and chief executive officer of Arianespace said during a news conference Thursday in Tokyo.
The H-IIA, the nation's domestically developed rocket, has suffered a number of setbacks recently in Japan's quest to enter the commercial launching business.
Rocket System Corp., the H-IIA rocket's marketing agency, now plans to conclude a backup contract with Arianespace in case the H-IIA fails during the planned launch of the MSAT government satellite in early 2003.
According to Luton, who arrived Wednesday on a four-day visit, Arianespace has signed contracts to launch 18 of the 24 Japanese satellites open to bidding so far.