MINAMITANE, Kagoshima (Kyodo) -- Japan launched a flagship H3 rocket carrying a Defense Ministry communications satellite Monday, its third consecutive successful liftoff following a botched debut in 2023.

The H3 series is the successor to the country's current mainstay H2A vehicle, which has supported Japan's space development for over 20 years and will be retired after a final launch, possibly by the end of March.

The No. 4 H3 rocket will place the defense satellite in orbit at an altitude of around 36,000 kilometers. The satellite, along with two others already in operation, is intended to enhance communications for the country's Self-Defense Forces.

The rocket, developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., lifted off from the Tanegashima Space Center in the southwestern prefecture of Kagoshima.

The launch was initially scheduled for Oct. 20 before being repeatedly postponed due to weather conditions and other reasons.

The H3 debuted in March 2023 but its maiden flight ended with a self-destruct order minutes after liftoff due to the failure of the second-stage engine to ignite. The No. 2 and No. 3 rockets were launched successfully in February and July this year.

Competition in the space business has intensified since SpaceX of the United States, which boasts revolutionary technology and a strong track record of rocket launches, entered the market.