An American company on Thursday launched a test rocket into space from its private launch site in New Zealand. The test flight was the first ever from New Zealand, which is being looked upon as an emerging destination for launching cheap disposable rockets to carry small satellites and other cargo into space, reported BBC.

Rocket Lab, a Silicon Valley-funded space launch company, was behind the launch of Electron, its battery-powered, 3-D printed rocket. It took off from the country’s remote Mahia Peninsula. The company said its rocket lifted off at 4.20 pm and reached space three minutes later. It now plans to start frequent commercial launches later this year.

“Our focus with the Electron has been to develop a reliable launch vehicle that can be manufactured in high volumes. Our ultimate goal is to make space accessible by providing an unprecedented frequency of launch opportunities,” said Peter Beck, Rocket Lab founder and chief executive told The Guardian.