Japan plans to launch four satellites into space this week, including a South Korean one that is its first payload for a foreign customer.

According to AP, spokesman Reiichi Tanaka at Japan's space agency said Tuesday, May 16 the HII-A rocket carrying the satellites will launch Friday from a remote pad in southwestern Japan.

Japan is hoping to compete with the U.S., Russia, Europe and others as a launch vehicle provider.

The rocket's primary payload is Japan's "Shizuku" satellite to monitor global water circulation and climate change. Two smaller satellites also are Japanese-developed.

The multipurpose KOMPSAT-3 is supplied by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute. It will monitor the environment, ocean and agriculture.