First SDF to launch "Space Operation Corps" to monitor suspicious artificial satellites

First Self-Defense Forces launches "Space Operation Corps" to monitor suspicious artificial satellites May 18 17:13

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's "Space Operations Corps", which will be the first special unit in the space area of ​​the Self-Defense Forces, was launched on the 18th, and the Ministry of Defense established a system to monitor suspicious artificial satellites and space debris in order to protect Japanese satellites. Will be in full swing.

The Space Operations Squadron was newly established at the Air Self-Defense Force Fuchu base in Tokyo with about 20 members.On the afternoon of the 18th, the Minister of Defense of Ichigaya, Tokyo, gave the flag to Defense Minister Kono to Toshihide Ashiki. ..

The main mission of the Space Operations Corps is "space condition monitoring" to protect Japanese satellites from attacks and obstructions from other countries and space debris, and to monitor the movement of suspicious satellites and the orbit of space debris. ..

Specifically, in the future, in addition to installing a space surveillance radar in Yamaguchi Prefecture, in cooperation with JAXA = Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and the United States Armed Forces, we will develop a "Space Situation Monitoring System" and operate it from the 5th year of Reiwa. I plan to start.

The Ministry of Defense says that satellites are indispensable for commanding the troops, such as collecting information, communicating, and grasping accurate position information, and they are making full-scale maintenance of the space surveillance system.

"We think that human resource development is important first, so we plan to proceed with training using simulators etc. in order to monitor the space situation, operate a global space surveillance network" I think that collaboration with the United States is indispensable, so in the future I would like to proceed with consideration for ways such as information sharing. "

Defense Minister "Securing Superiority in Space Area"

At the ceremony for the award of the flag, Defense Minister Kono said, "It is important to secure Japan's superiority in the field of space as well. There are many challenges for full-scale operation, including system maintenance and development, but there are new safety issues. In order to adapt to the security environment as soon as possible, we must build a system. "

After that, Minister Kono told reporters, "I think the" Space Operation Squadron "is the first unit specializing in the space field and the expectations of the people are very high. We must promote human resource development and cooperate with each country. I want to build a position. "