TOKYO: Japan's military is testing Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service with an eye to adopting the technology next fiscal year, the Yomiuri newspaper reported on Sunday, citing unnamed government sources.
The Ministry of Defense already has access to communication satellites in geostationary orbit, but use of Starlink technology, operated by Musk's SpaceX, would add a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit, the Yomiuri said.
Countries around the world are seeking to build resilience against the risk of jamming of communications or attacks on satellites in the event of conflict.
Japan's Self-Defense Forces have been testing Starlink since March with the system deployed in about 10 locations and in training, the newspaper said.
Defence ministry spokespeople could not immediately be reached for comment on the report outside business hours.
Starlink technology is being deployed by Ukraine on the battlefield, and Russia is attempting to block its use in the region. Musk said in October SpaceX could not afford to indefinitely fund Starlink's use in Ukraine.
The U.S. Defense Department said this month it had contracted to provide Starlink services there.
Reuters
Mon Jun 26 2023
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Japan's military already has access to communication satellites in geostationary orbit, but use of Starlink technology, operated by Musk's SpaceX, would add a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit, the Yomiuri said. - Astro AWANI
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Kremlin says Russia has lots of rare earth metals that the US needs and is open to cooperation
The study measures damage to buildings, impact on lives, and the cost to "build back better," according to a joint statement.
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Musicians release silent album to protest UK's AI copyright changes
Creative industries face legal and ethical issues as AI generates content after training on popular works without compensating creators.
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Petronas' profit slips 32 pct to RM55.1 bln in FY2024 due to unfavourable prices
Petronas says profit was hit by an unfavorable forex translation reserve after divesting Engen Group.
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Apple plans $500 billion in US investment, 20,000 research jobs in next four years
Many of Apple's products that are assembled in China could face 10% tariffs imposed by Trump earlier this month.
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3,600 pornographic websites blocked as of Feb 15 - Fahmi
Fahmi Fadzil says MCMC also has a special team that records complaints from the public.
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[OPINION] Exploring the environmental impact of hybrid working
For a country like Malaysia, the widespread shift to remote work carries unforeseen consequences.
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Subsidised rice to be monitored with two-tier control system
The government has allocated 24 million of 10-kg bags priced at RM26 each to be gradually distributed.
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Ocean Infinity will deploy search vessel and autonomous underwater vehicles to search the seabed for traces of the missing Boeing 777.
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Manchester United to cut jobs, bonuses and free lunches to restore profits
According to the club, the plan is in addition to 250 jobs removed last year.
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Malaysia through ASEAN Chairmanship will advocate for deeper collaboration in green, sustainable investment frameworks - DPM Fadillah
No country can achieve its sustainability goals without strong regional cooperation, says Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.
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Malaysian fresh durians command premium status in China market
Durian from Malaysia is now available in 16 regions in China, says Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup.
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At least four dead in South Korea highway construction project collapse
The steel structures supporting the highway bridge collapsed one after another after being hoisted into place by a crane.
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Petronas evaluating rightsizing efforts
Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik Tengku Aziz emphasises that this is not about cutting 15,000 to 16,000 jobs.
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Since 2012, 74 engagement sessions have been held and we have taken into account the problems faced by the people, PM says.
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Elon Musk renews his threat to fire federal workers who do not comply with his demand to justify their jobs.
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US tells federal agencies they can ignore Musk ultimatum
According to an internal communication from the Justice Department, staff were not obligated to respond to the email.
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Trump team seeks to toughen chip controls over China, Bloomberg News reports
Some Trump officials also aim to further restrict the quantity and types of Nvidia chips that can be exported to China without a license.
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Future policies must tackle gender equality holistically, addressing workforce gaps, structural barriers, and power imbalances.
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The next election must be held by October 20 this year.
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Ultimately, the key is how to ensure smooth and timely implementation of reforms to leverage Malaysia's sound fundamentals.