Japan to Introduce 6 ‘Bodyguard’ Satellites by FY35
The Defense Ministry has begun discussions on introducing six “bodyguard” satellites that can protect Japanese satellites from attacks by other countries’ “killer” satellites by fiscal 2035, according to government sources.
The Japanese government is considering deploying six "bodyguard" satellites by fiscal 2035 to safeguard domestic satellites from potential attacks by other nations' "killer" satellites, according to Defense Ministry sources. The aim is to bolster outer space defense readiness, as China and Russia are reportedly developing such capabilities.
These satellites, to be remotely operated from the ground, would be capable of disrupting the trajectories of enemy satellites through methods like deploying robotic arms or emitting electromagnetic rays. Additionally, they would employ onboard cameras to monitor foreign satellites and space debris. A prototype is slated for launch by fiscal 2028 to test the technology in geostationary orbit.
The Defense Ministry plans to integrate the bodyguard satellites into three crucial security documents, including the National Security Strategy, slated for revision by year-end. The government highlighted the intensifying activity of killer satellites, especially by China and Russia, and the challenges in Japan's existing satellite protection system, emphasizing the critical role of satellite-based communication, observation, and positioning in daily life.
Written by urgent.news from The Japan News by The Yomiuri Shimbun's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
