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Japan to Launch Military Space Force by 2019

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TOKYO, August 4 (RIA Novosti) - Japan is planning to launch its first-ever military space force as a part of the country’s Self-Defense Forces by 2019, Kyodo news agency reported, citing a notification that the Japanese Defense Ministry passed to the US government.

TOKYO, August 4 (RIA Novosti) - Japan is planning to launch its first-ever military space force as a part of the country’s Self-Defense Forces by 2019, Kyodo news agency reported, citing a notification that the Japanese Defense Ministry passed to the US government.

The main goal of the newly-created unit will be to monitor old satellites, rockets and other space debris and to prevent them from the colliding with functioning space equipment. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force will exchange information with its US colleagues to strengthen ties between the two countries in space activities.

One of the reasons why both countries are now planning to pursue space collaboration was the 2007 Chinese anti-satellite missile test. As a result of the experiment, the satellite broke in 3,000 pieces that are still in space and can pose a threat to communication and reconnaissance satellites.

The Japanese Defense Ministry is expected to approve a revised outer space plan in August, after which it will begin developing the unit.

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