Space Operations Group
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = Space Operations Group
| native_name = {{lang|ja|宇宙作戦群}}
| image = Space Operations Group.png
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| caption = SOG logo.
| start_date = 18 May 2020 ({{Age in years and months|2020|05|18}})
| disbanded =
| country = {{flag|Japan}}
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| branch = {{air force|Japan}}
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| role = Space operations
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| garrison = Fuchū Air Base
| garrison_label = Headquarters
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| commander1 =
| commander1_label = Commander
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| identification_symbol =150px
| identification_symbol_label = Flag
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The {{nihongo|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.{{cite web|last=Johnston|first=Eric|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/06/02/national/japan-space-force-self-defense-forces/|title=Japan's new space squadron takes a giant leap forward|publisher=Japan Times|date=2 June 2020|access-date=12 June 2021}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/05/ea20811d21cc-japan-accelerates-defense-capability-enhancement-in-new-domains.html |title=Japan accelerates defense capability enhancement in new domains|publisher=Kyodo News|date=3 May 2021|access-date=12 June 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://spacewatch.global/2018/11/future-space-wars-japan-to-create-military-ssa-unit-incorporate-ai-into-self-defence-forces/ |title=Future Space Wars: Japan To Create Military SSA Unit, Incorporate AI Into Self-Defence Forces|publisher=SpaceWatch.Global|date=22 November 2018|access-date=12 June 2021}}{{cite web|last=Farley|first= Robert|url=https://thediplomat.com/2021/04/managing-the-military-problem-of-space-the-case-of-japan/ |title=Managing the Military Problem of Space: The Case of Japan|publisher=The Diplomat|date=23 April 2021|access-date=12 June 2021}}
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.{{cite web |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/2020/05/18/242b253c-349b-4ace-96fb-52c08c033596 |title=Japan sets up its first 'Space Operations Squadron' |date=18 May 2020 |work=Janes |access-date=9 October 2021}} {{As of|December 2022}}, the SOS have around 150 personnel.{{cite web|url=https://www.spoc.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3273358/del-3-strengthens-future-of-japans-space-operations|title=DEL 3 strengthens future of Japan's space operations|access-date=2023-07-03|date=2023-01-17|first=Emily|last=Klinkenborg|publisher=Space Operations Command (SPOC)}} In FY 2020, the 2nd Space Operations Squadron was set up at Hōfu Air Field.{{cite web | url=https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASPCG521MPCGULFA002.html | title=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 | date=14 November 2021 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.city.hofu.yamaguchi.jp/soshiki/1/utyusakusentai5040104.html | title=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 }}
On March 17, 2022, the Space Operations Group was established{{Cite web| title=Establishment of Space Operations Group | url=https://www.mod.go.jp/asdf/English_page/news/release/2022/20220319-1en.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231125055127/https://www.mod.go.jp/asdf/English_page/news/release/2022/20220319-1en.pdf | archive-date=2023-11-25}} with 150 airmen. The "Space Operations Command Center Operation Squadron" was established on March 18, 2022 with 30 airmen.{{cite web | url=https://www.sankei.com/article/20220318-EVY2AASGHFNXNK7GOK3FEXEDJE/ | title=自衛隊「宇宙作戦群」編成 対露脅威への備え急ぐ | date=18 March 2022 }}
On March 16, 2023, the Space Operations Squadron was reorganized into the 1st Space Operations Squadron.https://www.mod.go.jp/j/yosan/yosan_gaiyo/2022/yosan_20211224-1.pdf The Space Systems Management Squadron was established with the 2nd Space Operations Squadron in the same month.https://mamor-web.jp/_ct/17619266https://www8.cao.go.jp/space/comittee/27-anpo/anpo-dai58/siryou2.pdf
Organization
The SOG is established with the following structure as of 2023:{{cite web | url=http://www.newstokyo.jp/index.php?id=1504 | title=NEWS TOKYO 都政新聞株式会社 | 仕事に命を賭けて Vol.175 }}{{Cite web| title=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 | language=ja | trans-title=Installation of Space Situational Surveillance Radar in Sanyo-Onoda City, Yamaguchi Prefecture | url=https://www.city.sanyo-onoda.lg.jp/uploaded/attachment/47096.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220216115805/https://www.city.sanyo-onoda.lg.jp/uploaded/attachment/47096.pdf | archive-date=2022-02-16}}
- 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
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Official website|https://www.mod.go.jp/asdf/ssa/index.html}} {{in lang|ja}}
{{commons category|Space Operations Group}}
{{Japan Air Self-Defense Force}}
{{Space forces}}
Category:Units of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force
Category:Space units and formations
{{Japan-mil-stub}}