The memorandum of understanding (MOU) will be formalised today, 10 September, during the DSEI defence and security exhibition in London.
SatVu, a UK company specialising in thermal infrared satellite technology, successfully launched its first spacecraft, HotSat-1, in 2023 and plans to add HotSat-2 and HotSat-3 to its growing constellation in 2026. Its satellites provide high-resolution thermal data used across defence, economic and climate-monitoring applications – from detecting unusual activity at sensitive sites and monitoring energy infrastructure to tracking industrial emissions and mapping urban heat.
Under the new partnership, IHI and SatVu will assess how thermal infrared data can be harnessed to meet Japan’s national security requirements. The collaboration will also examine the design of a Japanese-built constellation, including domestic manufacturing and business models for operation.
Atsushi Sato, IHI’s director and managing executive officer, said the MOU marked a significant step in building Japan’s independent space capability: “Today’s world is increasingly insecure. Japan’s National Defense Strategy recognises the importance of strengthening sovereign capability in space while working closely with allies and like-minded nations.”
The move comes amid closer space and defence ties between Japan and the United Kingdom, set out in the 2023 Hiroshima Accord and reaffirmed at recent ministerial talks in Tokyo. Both governments have pledged to expand cooperation in emerging space technologies, including Earth observation and space domain awareness.
“High-resolution thermal infrared data has huge potential to contribute to Japan’s national and economic security. This MOU is the first step in building the sovereign capability critical to Japan’s national security in the years ahead,” Sato added.
Japan is ramping up its national security investment in response to regional instability, with IHI positioning itself as a key player in building sovereign space capabilities. The company already works with Finnish firm ICEYE to develop a constellation of up to 24 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites.
IHI said it intends to expand beyond thermal infrared to develop a suite of small satellites, incorporating optical, SAR, VDES, radio frequency and hyperspectral sensors to provide comprehensive detection and tracking for land and maritime operations.
SatVu chief executive Anthony Baker welcomed the agreement, saying, “We’re delighted to be partnering with IHI to bring SatVu’s world-leading thermal infrared technology to Japan. Combining our expertise with IHI’s leadership in aerospace and defence will deliver sovereign Earth observation capabilities that strengthen security and resilience, while also unlocking new applications across energy, industry and climate monitoring.”