A Tokyo-based startup says its launch of a small rocket carrying a satellite will take place on Wednesday, after being postponed at the weekend.

Space One said on Monday that the Kairos rocket will lift off from its launch site in Wakayama Prefecture, western Japan, shortly after 11 a.m. Japan time on Wednesday.

If the rocket successfully places the satellite into orbit, Space One will be the first private-sector firm in Japan to accomplish the feat.

The launch was initially scheduled for Saturday. But it was canceled due to the presence of a ship in the "maritime warning area" set up for safety.

Officials say they aim to be fully prepared by moving up the start time of maritime surveillance and taking other measures.

The rocket, measuring about 18 meters in height, will carry a small satellite owned by the Japanese government. The satellite will be deployed into an Earth orbit at an altitude of 500 kilometers about 50 minutes after liftoff.

There has been a growing global demand for launches of small satellites. Space One aims to start a business that will bring satellites into space at a low cost, effectively creating a space-delivery service. It says it plans to launch 30 rockets a year in the 2030s.

Japan's space development has been led by the government. Attention is focused on whether the increasing involvement of the private sector can help boost the country's international competitiveness.