Bill to let SDF deploy own spy satellites

The ruling and opposition parties on Friday submitted to the Diet a bill to lift a ban on the use of space for defense purposes and allow Japan to deploy its own spy satellites.

The bill, which will give the Cabinet greater decision-making powers on overall space-related matters, passed the Lower House Cabinet Committee the same day.

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party, junior coalition partner New Komeito and opposition Minshuto (Democratic Party of Japan) plan to pass the bill in the Diet during the current session. Debate is expected to focus on the breadth of permissible activities of the Self-Defense Forces and how much authority the government will be given to keep such activities secret.

Currently, Japan's space development programs are restricted to peaceful purposes under a 1969 Diet resolution, and the government has adhered to the principle of non-military use of space.

The new bill calls for promoting development programs in space that contribute to the nation's security. It would also enable non-invasive defense activities under the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, to which Japan is a signatory.

That treaty recognizes the use of space "in the interest of maintaining international peace and security" and that outer space "is not subject to national appropriation by claim of sovereignty, by means of use or occupation."

Passage of the bill will open the way for the SDF to possess and use satellites, particularly high-grade spy satellites, currently banned by the government. If the ban is lifted, Japan could make a missile surveillance satellite the core of the nation's missile defense system.

Until now, the SDF had to rely on civilian-sector satellites. Although the government put into orbit an intelligence-gathering satellite after North Korea launched a ballistic missile over Japan in 1998, the image-definition capability was limited to civilian-sector levels.

The new bill also calls for setting up a strategic headquarters in the Cabinet for space development, headed by the prime minister. The bill calls for appointing a state minister in charge of space affairs and enhancing Japan's space industry, satellite use, scientific exploration and international cooperation.

The bill will also review the activities and functions of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

The ruling coalition submitted a similar bill in June 2007. Minshuto, while in general agreement with the content, cited concerns within the party that the bill could lead to an expanded military use of space.

The opposition party agreed to jointly submit the new bill after a statement was included in the first article that said the use of space will be conducted in accordance with the Constitution's spirit of pacifism.

The bill also calls for setting up an exclusive office within the Cabinet Office for space affairs within a year after the law goes into effect.(IHT/Asahi: May 10,2008)