Japan has successfully launched a South Korean satellite for the first time into space on Friday. This historical accomplishment made in a joint operation by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

The historical accomplishment puts the Japanese in the same arena as European and Russian entities in the lucrative commercial space launch business.

The H-2A rocket, which is primarily built by Mitsubishi, took four satellites into orbit including a multipurpose observation of 3 satellites, separated from the rocket 16 minutes after takeoff at about 680 kilometers. According to report, JAXA has largely been involved with the launch of government equipment such as Spy satellites.

Reports have confirmed that, the H-2A rocket was the 21^st launch since 2001 developed by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

Japanese satellite nick named as “Shizku”. Scientists say that it will play an important role in monitoring global water circulation and climate change.

The 4.5-tonne Japanese satellite, replacing an existing orbiter, will provide television services for the whole of the country, as well as for Southeast Asia.

The smaller Vietnamese model will provide television, radio and telephone services in Vietnam.