Japan and EU envision satellite network to cut reliance on US, SpaceX
Leaders set to agree on greater cooperation in defense and space sectors
BRUSSELS -- 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 U.S. companies like SpaceX.
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 U.S. 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 U.S. is clear.
U.S. President Donald Trump's "America First" policies have raised doubts about cooperation in the space sector. In the past, Musk threatened to cut off Ukraine's access to SpaceX's Starlink telecommunications system amid the ongoing Russian invasion.
Japan and many EU member states are allied with the U.S., but their reliance on Washington for information technologies related to security has highlighted vulnerabilities. Japan and the EU aim to work together in reducing dependence on the U.S. and developing their own industries.
Tokyo and Brussels also will discuss whether they can cooperate on the issue of space debris -- discarded satellites and components -- a growing problem as Earth's orbit becomes more crowded.
The draft agreement for the upcoming summit also includes plans for a public-private defense industry dialogue. This aims to bolster supply chains and explore future joint development of equipment. It also will serve as an opportunity for Tokyo to introduce startups to European companies.
The draft also states that the two sides will form a competitiveness alliance to develop technology and expand the space, defense, environmental and digital industries. Japan and the EU concluded an economic partnership agreement in 2018 as well as a security and defense partnership in 2024. They look to deepen relations further.
According to an EU official, von der Leyen is considering discussing with Ishiba a free trade zone led by the union and Japan. She has called for the creation of new rules through the EU and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact.
The draft agreement also includes language about confirming the importance of and adhering to international law to promote peace and prosperity in a free and open Indo-Pacific. On China, it reiterates strong opposition against unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force in the East and South China seas.