Japan and EU envision satellite network to cut reliance on US, SpaceX

Japan and the European Union look to develop an extensive communications satellite network, a draft agreement for the Japan-EU summit on July 23 shows, part of an effort to reduce reliance on US companies like SpaceX, Report informs referring to Nikkei Asia.

The two sides would create the network by launching and jointly operating small satellites.

Multiple, coordinated satellites are called a satellite constellation. These systems enable frequent, high-precision observations difficult for a single large satellite. Constellations of communications satellites allow for near-real-time interactions. Both Japan and the EU consider this critical to digital transformation, but the US leads the field.

The two sides are arranging for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Tokyo on July 23.

They are expected to agree to cooperate on building the satellite network, as well as on a framework for public-private partnerships. The two sides are considering standardization and rulemaking for important technologies, as well as data sharing on climate change and natural disaster measures.

Elon Musk's SpaceX plans to deploy over 40,000 satellites, Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry reports. China also is proceeding with plans to employ over 10,000 satellites. The EU intends to have over 290, and Japan aims to "establish more than five satellite systems through domestic private companies by early 2030s" through its Space Strategy Fund. The gap between the EU and Japan on one side and China or the US is clear.