IHI Corporation has entered an agreement with UK-based SatVu to explore the development of a high-resolution thermal infrared satellite constellation, enhancing Japan’s sovereign Earth observation capabilities. The memorandum of understanding will be formally signed on 10 September at the DSEI UK defence summit in London, a ceremonial step signalling intent as much as strategy, and marking the start of feasibility and demonstration activities rather than immediate constellation deployment.
A New Dimension in National Security
Building on its management mission of “contributing to society through technology,” IHI will collaborate with SatVu to assess the use of SatVu’s thermal data, define Japanese requirements, and explore business models for domestic satellite manufacturing and operation. A central aim is to guarantee sovereign control of data for Japanese institutions, while also evaluating procurement and operating models for a future home-grown constellation.
SatVu brings proven expertise: its first HotSat-1 satellite launched in 2023, with plans for HotSat-2 and -3 in 2026. The company highlights its thermal imagery as the highest-resolution infrared data commercially available, supporting three key sectors: national security and ISR, economic monitoring, and climate applications such as emissions tracking and thermal-mapping of urban environments. The collaboration is framed as dual-use, balancing defence needs with environmental monitoring.
Japan–UK Ties Take Flight
The collaboration is part of the post-2023 Hiroshima Accord partnership between Japan and the UK, reinforced during recent Tokyo defence minister talks. As geopolitical tensions rise, Japan is increasingly investing in sovereign space infrastructure, this deal marks IHI’s alignment with that strategic momentum.
Beyond Infrared: Building a Broader Constellation
IHI envisions expanding beyond just thermal sensors. The constellation is intended to eventually incorporate optical, SAR, VDES, RF, infrared, and hyperspectral payloads, supporting multi-domain detection across land and sea. IHI is already collaborating with Finland’s ICEYE on up to 24 SAR satellites, reinforcing its ambition to lead diversified satellite systems for Japan.
Details on the agreement were set out in IHI’s official press release ahead of the DSEI signing.
Published by Ben Ward
Ben Ward studied English Literature and Language at the University of Bristol. With a background in analytical news writing and an interest in space exploration, his work focuses on the connection between science, history, and language. He has a measured approach to space journalism, always prioritising accuracy. He is interested in how the decisions of private industry, government agencies, and scientific institutions shape the future of space exploration. When not writing, He closely follows updates in Geopolitics, Aerospace and Planetary science, considering how humanity’s presence on earth has an influence far beyond it.
All posts by Ben Ward
AloJapan.com