Under the contract, IHI has ordered four satellites and an associated image acquisition system, with an option to purchase up to 20 additional spacecraft. The first satellites are expected to enter phased commissioning and begin data delivery around April 2026.
This agreement deepens the long-standing partnership between ICEYE and IHI. ICEYE's SAR satellites can capture high-resolution imagery in all weather conditions and during both day and night, enabling continuous monitoring for defense, disaster response, and environmental management.
"ICEYE has built a trusted partnership with Japan since 2018, grounded in shared values and innovation," said Rafal Modrzewski, Co-founder and CEO of ICEYE. "This agreement with IHI marks a new milestone in strengthening our partnership and enhancing shared security and resilience. By combining IHI's engineering excellence with ICEYE's SAR technology, we're enabling sovereign access to critical Earth observation data and advancing Japan's leadership in space-based intelligence."
Hiroshi Ide, President and CEO of IHI, added: "At IHI, we are committed to contributing to the realization of a safe and secure society in a rapidly changing world. This initiative represents an investment in IHI's future. In collaboration with ICEYE, we are taking on the challenge of creating new value through cutting-edge satellite technology. Through the development of an Earth observation satellite constellation, we aim to address not only national and economic security but also a wide range of societal challenges. By harnessing the full strength of the IHI Group's manufacturing capabilities, we will lead the construction of essential infrastructure that will be indispensable for the society of the future."
Two of the initial four satellites will be assembled and tested in Japan, with preparations already under way between the partners. Depending on the outcome of these early missions, IHI plans to expand production and deployment of the remaining 20 satellites in stages beginning in fiscal year 2026, aiming to complete the full 24-satellite constellation by 2029.
The agreement follows a memorandum of understanding signed in May 2025 to jointly develop the constellation and establish domestic satellite production capabilities in Japan. The partnership combines ICEYE's rapid SAR deployment model with IHI's aerospace engineering heritage, advancing Japan's industrial and space technology base.
Related Links
ICEYE
Earth Observation News - Suppiliers, Technology and Application
| Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters |
| Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters |
