Japan successfully launched its space station resupply ship today*, aboard a new rocket.

“We would like to express our profound appreciation for the cooperation and support of all related personnel and organizations that helped contribute to the successful launch,” said the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in a statement.

The Japanese resupply vehicle is, says CNET, “a critical milestone for the post-shuttle space station program”. While Russia and Europe have their own space station resupply vehicles, the Japanese H-II Transfer Vehicle has a pressurized section, meaning it can carry things they cannot.

Equally, as AFP points out, this HTV can be modified to carry human beings. Along with the new and more powerful rocket used in this launch, the success strengthens Japan’s position in the space race.

[* At 2:01:46 am Japan Standard Time, so technically yesterday for many time zones.]

Image: JAXA