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North Korea has fired a suspected ballistic missile, according to the Japanese government. The missile was launched on Thursday, which was the first day of the window announced by Pyongyang for the launch of a “satellite.” There have been no reports of damage after the launch.

The missile was fired from Tongchang-ri at approximately 3:51 a.m. It is believed to have passed over the Okinawa area and into the Pacific. This launch comes after North Korea pledged to launch a rocket carrying a military reconnaissance satellite “as soon as possible” following a failed launch in May.

South Korea’s military has stated that North Korea fired a “space projectile” southward. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has ordered government agencies to provide necessary information to the public swiftly, after entering his office at around 5:15 a.m.

In anticipation of the launch, the Japan Coast Guard had been notified by Pyongyang of three maritime danger zones where an object may fall during the launch period. Two of these zones are located west of the Korean Peninsula, while the third is east of the Philippines, all outside of Japan’s exclusive economic zone.

This is not the first time that North Korea has launched a satellite within the initial three days of its launch window. In response to North Korea’s notification in May, Japan’s Self-Defense Forces were prepared to intercept any projectile that was expected to land within the country’s territory.

Last week, the leaders of Japan, the United States, and South Korea agreed to strengthen cooperation in opposing North Korea’s nuclear and missile activities. The three countries remain on high alert due to concerns of further provocation, including the possibility of an intercontinental ballistic missile test in conjunction with large-scale military drills between the US and South Korea.

Prime Minister Kishida has called on North Korea to exercise restraint, noting that any launch using ballistic technology would violate UN Security Council resolutions and result in severe economic sanctions on the nation.

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