Japan to launch study on satellite transportation | NHK WORLD

Japan to launch study on satellite transportation

NHK has learned that Japan's Defense Ministry will launch a survey and research initiative to strengthen the country's satellite transport capabilities. Such readiness would help ensure stable satellite-based information gathering.

The defense ministry says the importance of satellites for security purposes is increasing as other countries intensify moves to promote the military use of space.

It has cited the need to build a system that will enable the swift recovery of satellite functions lost in emergencies by using alternative satellites.

Ministry officials say they plan to solicit proposals from the private sector on ways to produce rockets to launch satellites in a short period of time, methods to launch rockets, and the necessary costs. The ministry will choose which businesses to work with by around February 2027.

Ministry officials say they hope the new survey and research program will help develop technologies to mass-produce rockets for frequent launches, and drive the growth of Japan's space industry.

Legislation was passed earlier this year to reorganize Japan's Air Self-Defense Force into the Japan Aerospace Self-Defense Force by the end of fiscal 2026.