The Japanese government is considering adding surveillance capabilities to military communications satellites. The newspaper reported this Yomiuri.
According to the publication, Tokyo’s intention is linked to the increasing activities of Russia and China in space. Japan’s Ministry of Defense plans to start developing surveillance equipment in 2024. The research could take three years and require 200 million yen (about $1.4 million).
The launch of new satellites with surveillance capabilities is planned for the 2030s. Japan will cooperate on this issue with the United States, which has already launched a similar spacecraft into orbit.
Before that, Japan was known. will create A constellation of 50 military satellites. Satellites would be launched in two types: optical and SAR (synthetic aperture radar). First, it will be able to take high-quality photos and videos of the Earth’s surface in good weather during the day.
Previously Russia successfully appeared military satellite placed into orbit.