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Australia and Japan concurrently launch new space groups

24th March 2022 - 03:52 GMT | by Gordon Arthur in Christchurch

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Australia has begun operating its new Defence Space Command. (ADF)

More and more countries are expressing concern at the vulnerability of their space-based assets.

Coincidentally, Australia’s and Japan’s militaries both inaugurated new space groups within the space of a few days in efforts to take advantage of the ultimate ‘high ground’ in the air and space domains.

Australia’s Defence Space Command began formal operations on 22 March, after being established on 18 January 2022. It incorporates personnel from all three defence services, plus defence civilians and industry contractors, and works alongside the existing Australian Space Agency.

The Defence Space Command is not currently a space force such as that adopted by the US military on 20 December 2019, although Defence Minister Peter Dutton did

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