By Girish Linganna
Amid a growingly intricate security landscape, nations such as China and India, among others in Asia, are expanding their satellite networks to keep a close watch on military activities within the region.
These reconnaissance satellites, positioned approximately 500 kilometres above the Earth, are capable of tracking a range of military actions, including the movement of troops and the launching of missiles. This data is crucial for precisely targeting adversarial resources in the event of a conflict.
According to a report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, based in London, and cited by Nikkei Asia, China had increased its fleet of reconnaissance satellites from 66 in 2019 to 136 by 2022.
Besides satellites designed for imaging the Earth’s surface, Beijing is also enhancing its collection of satellites focused on electronic intelligence (ELINT) and signals intelligence (SIGINT), which have the capability to capture electronic communications.
According to a report from the U.S. Defense Department released in October, the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance satellites operated by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) could be used for the monitoring, tracking, and targeting of U.S. and allied forces globally, with a particular emphasis on the Indo-Pacific area.
The report further mentions that these satellites enable the PLA to keep an eye on potential areas of conflict, such as the Korean Peninsula, Taiwan, the Indian Ocean, and the South China Sea.
Spy satellites are among North Korea’s highest military priorities, alongside its nuclear and missile programs, enabling the country to keep tabs on U.S. aircraft carriers in real-time. Although two satellite attempts failed in 2023, a successful launch occurred in November.
These military satellites are capable of detecting small objects on the ground, proving crucial for combat operations. For instance, satellite images from the U.S. reportedly played a significant role in aiding Ukraine’s initial manoeuvres following the Russian invasion.
In the context of its escalating competition with China, India has increased its radar imaging satellite (RISAT) constellation from 12 in 2019 to 16.Similarly, Japan and South Korea are actively working to enhance their satellite capabilities, keeping a close watch on developments in China and North Korea.
Since 2004, Japan has been utilizing satellites to gather data related to security and disaster management. The country aims to expand its satellite network to nine by the fiscal year 2029, up from the present count of five.
On Friday the 12th January 2024, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries successfully executed the launch of a H-IIA rocket, which was carrying a new satellite into orbit.
South Korea embarked on its reconnaissance satellite program with its inaugural launch in December. It aims to have a total of five satellites dedicated to reconnaissance under the purview of its Defense Ministry by 2025. Further launches are scheduled for April and another in November to advance this initiative.
Maintaining satellite operations incurs significant expenses. The Japanese government has allocated an annual budget of 80 billion yen (approximately $545 million) for the development and maintenance of its information-gathering satellites. A typical Falcon 9 rocket launch by SpaceX is priced at $67 million, as stated by the company.
For its December satellite launch, South Korea opted to use SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, despite its military’s efforts in developing indigenous rockets, to expedite the process. The availability of commercial launch services is reducing the cost barrier for satellite deployment, encouraging more developing nations to participate in the expanding satellite arena.
Expanding networks of satellites would enable nations to monitor specific regions more closely. However, those in the focus of such surveillance are likely to fast-track the development of capabilities for surprise attacks to bypass these reconnaissance measures. For instance, North Korea is advancing its solid-fuel missile technology, which allows for quicker launches, and is also working on submarines.
To prevent defense budgets from escalating uncontrollably, nations must enhance their reconnaissance abilities in a cost-effective manner. Japan and South Korea are considering the concept of satellite constellations, which involves linking together a network of smaller, more affordable satellites.
It’s also crucial to utilize advancements in space defense to bolster academic research and industrial initiatives. In line with this, the South Korean government has passed legislation to establish a new space agency, taking inspiration from NASA. (IPA
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