The Defense Ministry will launch a research study on rapid-response space transportation capabilities to secure the Self-Defense Forces’ stable use of satellites, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said Friday. The move comes as more countries, including China, Russia and Japan’s ally, the United States, continue to bolster their military capabilities in space. The defense chief also said that one aim of the study is to serve as a catalyst for the emergence of new, Japanese-made internationally competitive systems.
Japan’s growth strategy has noted space and rocket launch sites as a crucial driver for expanding the country’s economy. But the government has acknowledged that building out Japan’s space capabilities represents a significant challenge as it looks to boost the frequency of launches, improve domestic rocket manufacturing capabilities and develop launch sites and related infrastructure.
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