Makena Young, Center for Strategic and International Studies
Keywords: space policy, SSA, Japan, space domain awareness, emerging technology
Abstract:
This study would examine the importance of space situational awareness (SSA) capabilities to nations beginning to develop space capabilities. The study would also assess potential areas for surprise on the horizon (next five years) in terms of the impact SSA has on the space policy development and national security goals of growing space powers across the globe.
A secondary focus of the report would be a case study on a growing space actor, Japan. The paper would include an analysis of the space security plans, actions, and policies of Japan and of the specific actions Tokyo is taking to secure its space interests, particularly in the space situational awareness area. The study would explore the challenges Japan faces in space, how its approach to space has evolved in recent years, the role space now plays in Japan’s security, and Japan’s current philosophy for space security (e.g., space protection and offensive versus defensive counterspace operations). It would examine recent efforts in Tokyo to change its military space organizational structure, its counterspace doctrine, and its acquisition policies.
In December of 2022, Japan released a new National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy, and National Defense Buildup Program, which all emphasized the importance of capabilities in the space domain. These documents add policy positions to an approved 2022 Defense Budget, which dedicated 79 billion Yen to capabilities in the space domain, excluding funds tied to ballistic missile defenses. Enhancement of space situational awareness capabilities are high on the defense spending list, including development of an on-orbit optical telescope capability, the “procurement of SSA laser ranging equipment” to monitor objects in LEO, ensuring operability with domestic organizations as well as the U.S. military, and enhance satellite communications systems.
Date of Conference: September 19-22, 2023
Track: Space Domain Awareness