# iQPS Earth-observation satellite constellation expansion > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/iqps-earth-observation-satellite-constellation-expansion > Updated: 2026-08-31T06:08:00.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2. 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. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-31: QPS Institute releases first images from new SAR satellite Fukuoka-based QPS Institute has released the first high-definition images from its 13th small SAR satellite, ‘Mikura-I’, following a successful launch and deployment. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/qps-institute-releases-first-images-from-new-sar-satellite ### 2026-08-20: Rocket Lab launches iQPS Earth-observation satellite Rocket Lab launched the Susanoo-II satellite for Japan's iQPS from New Zealand, advancing a 36-unit SAR satellite constellation for high-resolution, near-real-time Earth observation. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rocket-lab-launches-iqps-earth-observation-satellite --- Cite as: iQPS Earth-observation satellite constellation expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/iqps-earth-observation-satellite-constellation-expansion