Japanese military considers using SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service

Although Tokyo already has access to communications satellites in geostationary orbit, the Starlink technology being operated by SpaceX will be an addition to the existing satellite network, the Yomiuri newspaper quoted an unnamed government source as saying.

SpaceX's Falcon-9 rocket launched from Kennedy Space Center (USA) carrying 53 Starlink satellites in May 2022. (Photo: Reuters)

Countries around the world are looking to build resilient and flexible communication networks against the risks of satellite jamming or attacks in conflict scenarios.

The Japanese newspaper said that the country's Self-Defense Forces have been testing Starlink since March with the system deployed in about 10 locations, as well as serving the military's training process.

Starlink technology is being used extensively on the battlefield in Ukraine and is a target of Russian interdiction. Last October, Elon Musk said SpaceX could not afford to fund Starlink's use in the European country indefinitely.

In response, the US Department of Defense earlier this month immediately signed a contract for Starlink satellite services for use in Ukraine.

“We will continue to work with global partners to ensure Ukraine has the communications capabilities and satellite network it needs. Satellite communications are a critical component of Kiev’s overall communications network, which is why the Pentagon decided to contract SpaceX,” the US Department of Defense said in a statement.

(According to Reuters)

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/quan-doi-nhat-ban-xem-xet-su-dung-internet-ve-tinh-starlink-2158538.html