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Out of sight, Japan’s a rising power in the space arena
Amid growing security anxieties, the Japanese are looking to their considerable space technology capabilities to take on a more military role.
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The H3 rocket, built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, lifting off at Tanegashima Space Centre, in Kagoshima, on Feb 17.
PHOTO: BLOOMBERG
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Astroscale, based in Tokyo, has long been a provider of space services, including cleaning up space junk. On Feb 27, with the award of a contract to develop a “responsive space system” demonstration satellite for Japan’s Ministry of Defence, it effectively became a defence contractor.
“This contract marks a significant milestone as Astroscale Japan expands into the security and defence sector,” Mr Eddie Kato, Astroscale’s managing director, said in a company announcement. “Alongside our existing government and commercial business, we have established a third pillar of our operations. By leveraging our heritage in rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) technologies, we will adapt our capabilities to the unique requirements of this sector.”
