ICEYE and IHI Join Forces to Build a New SAR Satellite Constellation in Japan

Cooperation Between ICEYE and IHI

In a significant step towards advancing satellite technology in Japan, ICEYE, a pioneer in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite operations, has partnered with IHI Corporation, a heavyweight in the country's industrial sector. This collaboration aims to create a constellation of SAR satellites consisting of up to 24 units, designed to deliver critical earth observation data for a variety of applications, including military, civilian, and commercial uses.

The announcement was made at DSEI Japan, a biannual defense exhibition held in Makuhari Messe, just outside of Tokyo. During this event, both companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that outlines their alliance and plans for establishing a satellite manufacturing facility within Japan. The initiative aligns with Japan's aspirations to enhance its national space capabilities while fortifying its defense and security infrastructure.

Rafal Modrzewski, Co-founder and CEO of ICEYE, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "ICEYE has cultivated a strong relationship with Japan since 2018. Our ongoing cooperation strengthens the technical alliance between Finland and Japan, contributing to the enhanced security of both nations. By collaborating with local entities, ICEYE aims to uplift Japan's defense capabilities and foster shared security goals. We are committed to forging new partnerships and deeper connections with Japan's industry and governmental organizations."

Atsushi Sato, President of IHI's Aero Engine, Space, and Defense Business Area, shared similar sentiments, emphasizing the growing insecurity in today’s global landscape. He highlighted Japan's National Defense Strategy, which underscores the need for self-reliance in space capabilities and openness to collaboration with allied nations. Sato described this MoU as a crucial step toward developing next-generation military and civilian applications critical to Japan's national security in the years ahead.

The proposed SAR satellite constellation will provide numerous advantages, including continuous monitoring of the Earth's surface, rapid response to changes, and objective insights that can benefit various sectors such as defense, insurance, disaster response, security, maritime monitoring, and financial services. This capability is vital for timely decision-making processes that support community resilience and sustainable development.

With offices in multiple countries, including Finland, Poland, Spain, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, the UAE, Greece, and the United States, ICEYE operates the world’s largest SAR satellite constellation. This expansive network allows them to offer unparalleled monitoring capabilities, delivering actionable data both during the day and night, and under adverse environmental conditions.

As ICEYE gears up for this new venture with IHI, they look forward to establishing a robust manufacturing base in Japan. This will not only serve the domestic market but also enhance Japan's position in the global space industry, showcasing its commitment to technological innovation and defense. The satellite manufacturing facility's establishment will be contingent upon final agreements and necessary regulatory approvals, which are aimed to further strengthen Japan's space ambitions.

The cooperative project between ICEYE and IHI stands as a testament to the growing collaboration between nations in the field of technology and security. As both firms embark on this journey, they capitalize on their respective strengths — ICEYE's state-of-the-art SAR technology and IHI's extensive industrial experience — paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in space observation and analysis.

Conclusion

As we witness the increasing importance of satellite technology in today’s geopolitical landscape, initiatives such as this pave the way for collaboration and innovation. The partnership between ICEYE and IHI represents not just an investment in technology but a proactive approach to meeting evolving defense and civilian needs in Japan and beyond. This ambitious endeavor signals a new era in satellite operations, with promising implications for industries reliant on accurate earth observation data.