TOKYO: Japan and the United States on Tuesday concluded an agreement to strengthen their space-monitoring capabilities through mutual use of their satellites.

The so-called hosted payload cooperation agreement allows the two sides to mount monitoring devices developed by one country onto satellites operated by the other.

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi concluded the agreement with Joseph Young, charge d’affaires ad interim at the US Embassy in Tokyo.

Under the pact, the two countries expect to install US space-monitoring sensors on two Michibiki quasi-zenith satellites of Japan seen entering into operation in fiscal 2023.

The move would help enhance their capabilities to monitor space debris circling Earth.

In 2018, then Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US Vice President Mike Pence agreed to start bilateral discussions on details of the hosted payload cooperation.

The cooperation was included in Japan’s new basic space plan adopted at a cabinet meeting in June this year.

JIJI Press