{
  "id": 9833865,
  "title": "Japan to Introduce 6 ‘Bodyguard’ Satellites by FY35",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/japan-to-introduce-6-bodyguard-satellites-by-fy35",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-25T21:00:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Japan News by The Yomiuri Shimbun",
    "slug": "the-japan-news-by-the-yomiuri-shimbun",
    "url": "https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/defense-security/20260926-350567/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "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.",
  "key_points": [
    "Japan plans to launch six 'bodyguard' satellites by 2035.",
    "Satellites aim to protect domestic ones from enemy attacks.",
    "Prototype to be tested in geostationary orbit by 2028."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}