Space Operations Group

Space Operations Group
宇宙作戦群
SOG logo.
Founded18 May 2020 (4 years, 7 months)[1]
Country Japan
Branch Japan Air Self-Defense Force
RoleSpace operations
HeadquartersFuchū Air Base
Insignia
Flag

The Space Operations Group (宇宙作戦群, Uchū Sakusengun) is a Japan Air and Space Self-Defense Force unit based at Fuchu Air Base in Fuchu, Tokyo.[1] It is responsible for the JASDF's space domain awareness capability, integrating surveillance data from a sensor near Sanyo-Onoda in Yamaguchi Prefecture, along with data supplied by JAXA and the United States Space Force. The unit also conducts satellite navigation and satellite communications for other military units.[2][3][4]

History

The former Space Operations Squadron was established in 18 May 2020 in a ceremony held by the Japanese Ministry of Defense with 20 JASDF personnel.[5] As of December 2022, the SOS have around 150 personnel.[6] In FY 2020, the "2nd Space Operations Squadron" was set up at Hōfu Air Field.[7][8]

On March 17, 2022, the "Space Operations Group" was established[9] with 150 airmen.[6] The "Space Operations Command Center Operation Squadron" was established on March 18, 2022 with 30 airmen.[10]

On March 16, 2023, the Space Operations Squadron was reorganized into the "1st Space Operations Squadron." The "Space Systems Management Squadron" was established.

Organization

The SOG is established with the following structure as of 2023:[11][12]

  • Space Operations Group Headquarters
  • Space Operations Command Center Operation Squadron
  • 1st Space Operations Squadron
  • 2nd Space Operations Squadron
  • Space System Management Squadron

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Johnston, Eric (2 June 2020). "Japan's new space squadron takes a giant leap forward". Japan Times. Retrieved 12 June 2021.
  2. ^ "Japan accelerates defense capability enhancement in new domains". Kyodo News. 3 May 2021. Retrieved 12 June 2021.
  3. ^ "Future Space Wars: Japan To Create Military SSA Unit, Incorporate AI Into Self-Defence Forces". SpaceWatch.Global. 22 November 2018. Retrieved 12 June 2021.
  4. ^ Farley, Robert (23 April 2021). "Managing the Military Problem of Space: The Case of Japan". The Diplomat. Retrieved 12 June 2021.
  5. ^ "Japan sets up its first 'Space Operations Squadron'". Janes. 18 May 2020. Retrieved 9 October 2021.
  6. ^ a b Klinkenborg, Emily (17 January 2023). "DEL 3 strengthens future of Japan's space operations". Space Operations Command (SPOC). Retrieved 3 July 2023.
  7. ^ "第2宇宙作戦隊を山口に配備へ 人工衛星への電波妨害監視 岸防衛相：朝日新聞デジタル". 14 November 2021.
  8. ^ "令和4年度に自衛隊防府北基地へ第2宇宙作戦隊が新編されます - 防府市公式ホームページ".
  9. ^ "Establishment of Space Operations Group" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 November 2023.
  10. ^ "自衛隊「宇宙作戦群」編成 対露脅威への備え急ぐ". 18 March 2022.
  11. ^ "NEWS TOKYO 都政新聞株式会社 | 仕事に命を賭けて Vol.175".
  12. ^ "山口県山陽小野田市における宇宙状況監視レーダー設置について" [Installation of Space Situational Surveillance Radar in Sanyo-Onoda City, Yamaguchi Prefecture] (PDF) (in Japanese). Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 February 2022.
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