Japan's Ministry of Defense Launches Emergency Rocket Development Research

Reference News Network, October 15 According to Japan's Asahi Shimbun on October 10, the Japanese Ministry of Defense announced on the 9th that it will launch a research investigation to develop a rocket capable of launching replacement satellites in a short time when the satellites used by the Self-Defense Forces are attacked or interfered with and lose functionality. This move aims to enhance space transportation capabilities while also considering the need to respond to emergencies.

The Ministry of Defense plans to solicit proposals from private enterprises regarding rocket manufacturing and launch methods by December of this year. Whether Japan can utilize its own technology and industrial base will be one of the evaluation criteria, and Japan hopes to strengthen its domestic aerospace industry through this initiative.

Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi pointed out at a press conference on the 9th: “Including emergencies, if some of the satellites we use lose functionality, how to quickly restore that functionality is an important issue for security assurance.”

Reports indicate that, given the insufficient number of rocket launch sites in Japan, the Ministry of Defense will explore new launch methods that are not limited to existing launch sites, such as mobile launches, sea launches, or air launches from aircraft. At the same time, it is also considering using methods such as 3D printing technology to achieve mass production of components in a short time.

The project plans to identify partner companies and start the research investigation by February 2027, with research results to be compiled by March 2028.

Reports state that the Japanese Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces are committed to strengthening space defense capabilities. Currently, the Ministry of Defense operates defense communication satellites to ensure command and control communications for the Self-Defense Forces and is constructing a "satellite constellation" system that works collaboratively through multiple small satellites to detect targets. In addition, Japan also plans to launch a space domain awareness satellite this fiscal year for monitoring the space environment. (Translated by Chen Rui)