IHI Corporation has announced a collaboration with Global Satellite Vu Ltd (“SatVu”) to develop a constellation to strengthen Japanese sovereign capability.
SatVu is a UK-based developer of thermal infrared satellite technology. Following the successful launch of its first satellite, HotSat-1, in 2023, the company plans to expand its constellation with HotSat-2 and HotSat-3 in 2026. SatVu delivers high-resolution thermal intelligence across three core verticals: national security and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), enabling governments to detect unusual activity and monitor critical infrastructure; economic monitoring, providing insights into industrial operations, commodities, and energy resilience; and climate and environmental applications, supporting emissions tracking, urban heat mapping, and rapid response to natural disasters.
Under the agreement, IHI and SatVu will work together to evaluate the utilisation of SatVu’s thermal data, define the requirements for a Japanese sovereign high-resolution thermal infrared (IR) satellite constellation, and explore optimal business structures for building and operating the constellation in Japan, including domestic satellite manufacturing.
This collaboration comes as the United Kingdom and Japan strengthen their ties in space and defence, as set out in the Hiroshima Accord in 2023. This relationship was reinforced during the recent meeting of defence ministers in Tokyo where both governments committed to expanding cooperation, including on emerging technologies such as satellite-based Earth observation and space domain awareness.
Amid growing geopolitical instability, the Japanese government is increasing its investments to strengthen national security to address existing and potential challenges – an effort that IHI is committed to supporting.
In line with its management philosophy of “contributing to the development of society through technology,” IHI aims to lead the development of small satellite constellations by leveraging its engineering expertise. It is intended that the constellation will eventually include various types of satellites – Optical, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), VDES, Radio Frequency (RF), Infrared (IR) and Hyperspectral Imaging. The constellation will aim to provide target detection and tracking capabilities essential for operations on land and at sea.
IHI is already collaborating with ICEYE Oy, a world leader in SAR satellites based in Finland, to develop a constellation of up to 24 SAR satellites to provide Earth observation data for security, public, and commercial purposes.
Atsushi Sato, President of IHI’s Aero Engine, Space & Defence Business Area, said: “Today’s world is increasingly insecure. Japan’s National defence Strategy recognises the importance of strengthening its sovereign capability in space whilst simultaneously opening the door to cooperation and collaboration with allies and like-minded countries with shared strategic interests. High-resolution thermal infrared (IR) data has huge potential to contribute to Japan’s national and economic security. This MoU is the first step in building the sovereign capability of thermal infrared (IR) critical to Japan’s national security in the years to come.”
SatVu Co-Founder and CEO, Anthony Baker’s comments: “We are delighted to be partnering with IHI to bring SatVu’s world-leading thermal infrared satellite technology to Japan. By combining our expertise with IHI’s proven leadership in aerospace and defence, we can deliver sovereign Earth Observation capabilities that will strengthen Japan’s security and resilience, while unlocking innovative applications across industry, energy, and climate monitoring. This collaboration reflects our SatVu shared vision of harnessing space technology to address some of the most pressing challenges facing societies today.”
