Japan’s military considers adopting Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite service

Japan’s army is testing Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite tv for pc web service with an eye fixed to adopting the know-how subsequent fiscal yr, the Yomiuri newspaper reported on Sunday, citing unnamed authorities sources.

The ministry of protection already has entry to communication satellites in geostationary orbit, however use of Starlink know-how, operated by Musk’s SpaceX, would add a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit, the Yomiuri stated.

Countries around the globe are looking for to construct resilience in opposition to the chance of jamming of communications or assaults on satellites within the occasion of battle.

Japan’s Self-Defense Forces have been testing Starlink since March with the system deployed in about 10 areas and in coaching, the newspaper stated.

Defence ministry spokespeople couldn’t instantly be reached for touch upon the report exterior business hours.

Starlink know-how is being deployed by Ukraine on the battlefield, and Russia is trying to dam its use within the area. Musk stated in October SpaceX couldn’t afford to indefinitely fund Starlink’s use in Ukraine.

The US Defense Department stated this month it had contracted to offer Starlink companies there.

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