iQPS Earth-observation satellite constellation expansion

The Japanese company Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc. (iQPS) has expanded its Earth-observation satellite constellation through successful launches via Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket.

Following the launch of the Susanoo-II satellite, which utilizes X-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology to provide high-resolution imagery regardless of cloud cover or time of day, the company successfully deployed its 13th small SAR satellite, ‘Mikura-I’.

In late August 2026, iQPS released the first high-definition images from the Mikura-I satellite, showing locations including Perth, Australia; Kyoto, Japan; and Cappadocia, Turkey. To support its mission of providing near-real-time data for disaster monitoring, defense, and agriculture, the company has established a large-scale production facility capable of manufacturing up to 20 satellites per year. The strategic importance of this technology is underscored by a 69.7 billion yen contract from the Japanese Ministry of Defense.