日本要抢马斯克“饭碗”？1600亿庞大计划曝光，背后野心其实更大

Core Viewpoint - Japan is planning to establish its own satellite internet system, similar to SpaceX's Starlink, with a budget allocation of 150 billion yen (over 6.6 billion RMB) in the fiscal year 2025 [1][4]. Budget and Investment - The Japanese National Diet approved a budget of 8.7 trillion yen for defense in fiscal year 2025, marking a historical high, which includes 283.3 billion yen for constructing a low Earth orbit satellite constellation [4]. - An additional 160 billion yen has been proposed in a supplementary budget to promote domestic communication services using low Earth orbit satellite constellations [4]. Advantages of Satellite Internet - Satellite internet offers unique advantages such as wide coverage, low communication latency, strong disaster resilience, and high commercial and strategic value [6][8]. - It can provide internet access in remote areas where traditional infrastructure is lacking, and it can serve as a backup communication link during natural disasters [8]. Strategic Importance - Japan aims to secure its own satellite internet to avoid reliance on foreign systems, especially in the context of potential geopolitical tensions [12]. - The initiative is also linked to Japan's plans for a "Quasi-Zenith Satellite System" to complement GPS, enhancing national security and digital sovereignty [12]. Resource Competition - Japan is concerned about the limited availability of low Earth orbit and communication spectrum resources, which are crucial for satellite internet deployment [14][16]. - The competition for these resources is intensifying, with other countries, including China, planning extensive satellite launches [16]. Current Capabilities and Challenges - Japan's current satellite launch capabilities are limited, having conducted only four launches in 2025, which raises concerns about its ability to support a satellite constellation [18]. - Recent failures in satellite launches have further delayed Japan's plans, highlighting the challenges it faces in developing its space capabilities [18]. Future Aspirations - Japan's investment in its satellite internet initiative is also aimed at advancing its aerospace technology and establishing a space operations group to enhance its military capabilities [20]. - However, Japan faces restrictions on dual-use items in the military sector, which complicates its aerospace development efforts [22].