The Japanese Self-Defense Forces (SDF) have been conducting a trial run of SpaceX's Starlink satellite constellation since March, as confirmed by government sources. This strategic move is aimed at bolstering the SDF's communication capabilities in response to China and Russia's efforts to enhance their satellite attack capabilities. Starting from 2024, there are plans to fully utilize the high-speed communication service offered by SpaceX. Additionally, the SDF is in the process of making arrangements to utilize military satellites from the United States and other nations. The Starlink satellite constellation consists of numerous small satellites positioned in low orbit, approximately 342 miles above Earth. Notably, Ukraine's forces turned to Starlink for internet access following disruptions in communication during Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This access enabled Ukraine to launch counteroffensives against Russia. To equip their Air, Ground, and Maritime unit...

A start-up based in Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture, has recently introduced a unique funeral service known as space burial. Space NTK Co., the company behind this venture, successfully launched the cremated remains of ten individuals and their pets into space in early April, utilizing a rocket provided by the renowned U.S. space company SpaceX. One individual who availed himself of this service is Teruaki Nagakura, a 54-year-old company employee from Nabari, Mie Prefecture. Nagakura's 7-year-old daughter had tragically passed away from a brain tumor in 2009, and in order to fulfill her dream of soaring through the sky, he entrusted a portion of her ashes, which he had been keeping at home, to Space NTK.   To ensure the safe transport of the remains, they were securely stored in a specialized container, which was then placed inside a metal box. This box was subsequently loaded into the upper section of the rocket, which took off from Florida on April 1. Once in space, the upper p...