QPS Institute releases first images from new SAR satellite

QPS Institute, a space venture based in Fukuoka, has successfully deployed its 13th small SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite, named ‘Mikura-I’. Launched via a Rocket Lab Electron rocket on August 6, 2026, the satellite has successfully completed its initial deployment and antenna expansion.

The company released its first high-definition images captured during test observations in late August 2026. These images include views of Perth, Australia; Kyoto, Japan; and Cappadocia, Turkey. The SAR technology is notable for its ability to capture high-resolution imagery through clouds and during nighttime, making it highly effective for disaster monitoring and defense applications.

QPS Institute has established a large-scale production facility, ‘QSIP’, capable of manufacturing up to 20 satellites per year. The company aims to establish a mass-production system to provide consistent earth observation capabilities. Notably, the Japanese Ministry of Defense has awarded the company a major contract worth 69.7 billion yen over five years, starting in February 2026, highlighting the strategic importance of their satellite technology for national security and disaster management.