China Plans to Deploy "Bodyguard Satellites" to Prevent Space Attacks

According to a report by Reference News Network on September 27, the Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun reported on September 25 that relevant officials from the Japanese government revealed that the Ministry of Defense has begun exploring the introduction of "bodyguard satellites" to protect Japanese artificial satellites from attacks by "killer satellites," with the aim of establishing a defense system consisting of six satellites by the fiscal year 2035.

According to reports, the Japanese government plans to incorporate this policy into the revised "Three Security Documents," including the "National Security Strategy," to be updated within the year.

The report pointed out that "killer satellites" have offensive capabilities and can approach target satellites, using mechanical arms or electromagnetic waves to interfere with the target satellites, rendering their functions inoperative. In response, the envisioned function of the "bodyguard satellites" is to be remotely controlled from the ground to intercept the trajectory of any "killer satellites" attempting to approach Japanese satellites, thereby blocking their approach. Additionally, the concept includes using onboard cameras to collect intelligence on the movements of foreign satellites and space debris.

According to reports, the Japanese Ministry of Defense will establish a new satellite development department within the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency in the fiscal year 2027 to accelerate the research and development of satellite-related technologies. The verification satellite for the "bodyguard satellites" is expected to be launched as early as the fiscal year 2028 for validation testing to confirm its ability to move smoothly in a geostationary orbit at an altitude of approximately 36,000 kilometers. Subsequent launch plans are scheduled for the fiscal years 2033 to 2035, ultimately forming a defense system composed of six satellites.

The reason for strengthening the space defense system is that activities such as communication, observation, and positioning using satellites are indispensable to the lives of the Japanese people. Senior officials from the Ministry of Defense expressed a sense of crisis, stating, "If satellites are interfered with, it will not only affect the Self-Defense Forces' operations but will also have a significant impact on the entire Japanese society."

As the "Three Security Documents" are being revised, the Ministry of Defense pointed out in the revision guidelines for the "National Defense Strategy" and the "Defense Force Development Plan" that activities of "killer satellites" that destroy satellites are becoming increasingly frequent. Therefore, the Ministry of Defense emphasized the necessity of taking countermeasures, indicating that Japan faces challenges in its satellite defense system. (Translation/Chen Rui)