SDF launch 1st space unit to monitor threats to satellites

The Self-Defense Forces on Monday launched Japan's first space operation unit tasked with monitoring space debris, asteroids and other threats to artificial satellites.The Air Self-Defense Force's space domain mission unit, based in Fuchu, western Tokyo, will cooperate with U.S. forces and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency in establishing a space situational awareness, or SSA, system that will help them to share information on such threats, the Defense Ministry said.The space unit, consisting of around 20 staff, will monitor the geostationary orbit around 36,000 kilometers above Earth …READ FULL ARTICLE