Space Operations Group

The Space Operations Group is a unit of the Japan Air and Space Self-Defense Force based at Fuchu Air Base in Fuchu, Tokyo. It is responsible for Japan’s space domain awareness, combining data from a sensor near Sanyo-Onoda in Yamaguchi Prefecture with information provided by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and the United States Space Force. The group also supports other military units through satellite navigation and communications.

History

The former Space Operations Squadron was established in 18 May 2020 in a ceremony held by the Japanese Ministry of Defense with 20 JASDF personnel., the SOS have around 150 personnel. In FY 2020, the 2nd Space Operations Squadron was set up at Hōfu Air Field.
On March 17, 2022, the Space Operations Group was established with 150 airmen. The "Space Operations Command Center Operation Squadron" was established on March 18, 2022 with 30 airmen.
On March 16, 2023, the Space Operations Squadron was reorganized into the 1st Space Operations Squadron. The Space Systems Management Squadron was established with the 2nd Space Operations Squadron in the same month.

The SOG is established with the following structure as of 2023: