Japan to test hypersonic missile tracking with space sensors

China, Russia tech advances prompt push to bolster capabilities

20250112N Japan satellite sensor

Satellites would be equipped with the infrared sensors once the missile tracking technology is proven to work. (Illustration by Nikkei)

SHINNOSUKE NAGATOMI, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Japan aims to strengthen defenses against hypersonic missiles, with plans to test the tracking capabilities of space-based infrared sensors, Nikkei has learned, as China and Russia make advances in the field.

The Ministry of Defense will deploy infrared sensors on the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's HTV-X cargo transporter, which is set for its first launch in fiscal 2025 to resupply the International Space Station. The testing is expected to be conducted while the transporter orbits Earth for about a year after the resupply mission.

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