The Japanese government has drafted its first space security policy.
The draft plan is based on three basic policies --drastically expanding the use of space for national security; ensuring the safe and stable use of space; and creating a positive cycle of space security and space industry development.
It says threats in outer space are increasing rapidly, an apparent reference to space development by China and Russia.
It says Japan aims to take part in the Combined Space Operations Center--a facility operated by the US and Britain, among others, to monitor moves to intercept or attack military and commercial satellites.
The draft also says Japan will work together with its allies and like-minded countries to create international rules on the use of space.
The government wants to finalize the plan next month at a meeting of the Strategic Headquarters for Space Development.