Japan's space agency has confirmed the successful launch of its new flagship H3 rocket.

The rocket lifted off from the Tanegashima Space Center in the southwestern prefecture of Kagoshima at 9:22 a.m. on Saturday.

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, or JAXA, said the craft has reached its planned orbit.

This is the first successful launch of the H3, as the first attempt in March 2023 ended in failure after its second-stage engine did not ignite.

In a news conference on Saturday afternoon, JAXA President Yamakawa Hiroshi said he couldn't be happier nor more relieved. He said he truly appreciates the efforts of everyone involved.

Project manager Okada Masashi said he feels a heavy burden has been lifted. He said the launch deserves a perfect score.

Okada noted the border between success and failure is vague, but Saturday's results indicate the launch was a success.

He said the H3 rocket has only been launched twice and the true challenge is yet to come. He added he wants to continue developing the H3 and put the project on track.