Japan’s Defense Ministry is inviting private companies to propose ways to develop small rockets that could quickly launch replacement satellites if existing spacecraft are attacked or malfunction. The fiscal 2026 budget allocates about 70 million yen for the research initiative. Officials will assess manufacturing methods, costs and timelines, as well as whether launches could take place from land, sea or air. The ministry is considering 3D printing to speed production and plans to select a contractor by February 2027. Japan relies on overseas rockets for about half its satellite launches.
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