The Ministry of Defense is considering launching about 50 small satellites over the next five years, with the aim of building a "satellite constellation," a system that will link many small satellites to improve information-gathering capabilities for missile defense and other purposes. has been decided to proceed.
In order to drastically strengthen defense capabilities, the Ministry of Defense aims to enhance information gathering capabilities using outer space, as it is necessary to strengthen space operations capabilities in addition to land, sea and air.
Under these circumstances, the Ministry of Defense is considering launching about 50 small satellites in five years from next fiscal year toward the construction of a "satellite constellation" system that enhances information gathering capabilities by linking many small satellites. became.
North Korea and other countries are developing "hypersonic missiles" that fly at about five times the speed of sound, and ballistic missiles that fly on irregular trajectories. It is expected that the interception capability will increase.
In addition, the Ministry of Defense plans to launch one space monitoring satellite by fiscal 2026, but is coordinating with the launch of a second satellite in order to expand the monitoring range.