The H3 rocket, Japan’s main spacecraft, successfully entered orbit and deployed two small observation satellites in its crucial second attempt after a failed initial launch in the previous year. This achievement brings optimism for Japan’s position in the international space competition.

The H3 rocket successfully launched from the Tanegashima Space Center on Saturday morning, following a two-day delay due to inclement weather.

According to JAXA, the rocket effectively entered orbit at a height of approximately 670 kilometers (equivalent to 420 miles) and deployed two satellites.

“We are pleased to announce the positive outcome,” stated JAXA President Hiroshi Yamakawa during a press conference.

The primary objectives of the H3 are to ensure autonomous entry into space and maintain competitiveness in response to the increasing global need for satellite launches. “Today, we have taken a significant initial step towards reaching that objective,” stated Yamakawa.

Japan’s space program has received a significant boost with the recent string of achievements, including a remarkable landing of an unmanned spacecraft on the moon last month.

The launch was closely monitored as a trial for Japan’s space progress following the unsuccessful ignition of the second-stage engine during H3’s inaugural flight in March. JAXA and its primary partner, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, have been working on H3 as a replacement for their current primary rocket, H-2A, which is scheduled to retire after two additional launches.

The project manager for JAXA’s H3, Masashi Okada, described the outcome as “flawless,” stating that H3 successfully completed all tasks scheduled for Saturday’s launch. Okada added, “After a prolonged anticipation, the newly born H3 has finally made its first sound.”

The H3, which measures 57 meters (187 feet), is built to transport bigger loads at a significantly reduced cost of approximately 50 billion yen ($330 million) compared to the H-2A.