China-Russia Satellite Interceptor 'Killer Satellite' Approaches US-Japan Satellites... "Possibility of Interception Drills"

[Image source=NASA website/www.nasa.gov]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] So-called "killer satellites," which are offensive satellites designed to intercept foreign satellites, have reportedly approached satellites of the United States and Japan. The U.S. and Japan are expected to further strengthen their cooperation in the space sector in response.

According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP) in Hong Kong on the 23rd, killer satellites from China and Russia have repeatedly approached U.S. and Japanese satellites recently, which appears to be part of training exercises for satellite interception. The Japanese Yomiuri Shimbun also reported, citing senior government sources, that a Russian satellite approached a Japanese satellite earlier this year and repeatedly approached U.S. reconnaissance satellites, causing concern in the U.S.

The Russian satellite approached close enough to obtain detailed information about the U.S. reconnaissance satellite, raising the possibility that it was practicing operations using small launch vehicles to attack target satellites. The media also reported that China has made significant advances in space weapons, possessing missiles and laser weapons capable of attacking satellites alongside killer satellites. In response to these satellite threats from China and Russia, Japan is expected to expand the size of its Space Operations Squadron, a specialized space unit under the Self-Defense Forces established last May, to counter other countries.

Garen Mulroy, a professor of international relations at Daito Bunka University in Japan, stated, "If satellites from China or Russia repeatedly approach satellites of other countries, it is a cause for concern," adding, "While the primary target of China and Russia is the United States, Japanese satellites, which closely cooperate with the U.S., could also become targets."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.