Synspective Released the First Image from its Small SAR Satellite “StriX-α”

TOKYO-2021 – Synspective Inc., a SAR satellite data and analytic- solution provider, announced its first success on the first image acquisition from its first own SAR satellite “StriX-α”. This is the first success in Japan that a commercial SAR satellite(100kg class) image has obtained from space.

“StriX-α” was launched by Rocket Lab’s Electron, from New Zealand’s Mahia Peninsula launch site, on December 15th (JST) and put into the target orbit: at an altitude of 500 km in a Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO). It has been successfully operated since and the very first imagery was successfully acquired on February 8th.

■ SAR images

Observation date and time：February 8th, 2021, around 12:00 (Japan time)

Observation location：South Florida, USA

■ Future SAR Satellite Constellation

The second demonstration satellite “StriX-β” is scheduled to be launched in 2021. It is aimed to demonstrate “InSAR (Interferometric SAR)” technology in orbit, a special SAR analytics technique to detect millimeter-level displacements on the ground surface.

Synspective aims to build a constellation of 6 satellites by 2023 and 30 satellites by the late 2020s. With the constellation of 30 satellites in low Earth orbit , it makes it possible to observe the location of disaster occurring anywhere in the world within the time of two hours (with 6 satellites, it is within 24 hours). Synspective is currently developing an automated process that analyzes the observed data, assesses (understand) the situation of the disastered place at the early stage, and provides a solution. By establishing its constellation, Synspective aims to contribute dramatical improvements in the world’s disaster response efforts.

■Comment from Dr. Motoyuki Arai, founder and CEO at Synspective

“For a satellite data solution company, the most difficult but the most crucial milestone is the acquisition of data from an own-built satellite. Thanks to many years of hard work, including the ImPACT program, we have just obtained this great achievement. I would like to express our sincere gratitude to our team and am proud to move forward together.

Now, we are proceeding with preparations for data sales. As launching the “StriX-β” within this year, we are planning to release more solution services using our own data. We will ensure to continue producing results in order to create a more efficient and resilient world.”

■Comment from Toshihiro Obata, Board Director and General Manager of Satellite System Development Department

“We are very happy that all the efforts of our development team members achieved this successful early demonstration. We continue to give further efforts to improve the quality of image and provide solutions. With partners, we are currently setting up a secure line for our satellite serial productions, by introducing manufacturing and quality control technologies from the non-space industries. We appreciate your further interest in our progress.”

■About Synspective

Synspective provides one-stop-solutions using geospatial data from its own SAR satellites, upon its mission to create a progressive world based on real data. The core technology was developed by the ImPACT program led by The Cabinet Office, Government of Japan.  Synspective is building a constellation of its own small SAR satellites and to provide its data and analytic information to governments and commercial outfits.

URL: https://synspective.com/