The Japanese Defense Ministry announced that a Tokyo-based startup has recently launched a small, all-weather radar satellite into orbit, providing the ministry with access to the satellite’s imaging capabilities for the first time.
The satellite, launched by Synspective Inc., is capable of gathering data from Earth’s surface in any weather condition and at any time of day. The satellite has been upgraded to support national security needs, according to the ministry.
The Defense Ministry plans to use this satellite to demonstrate the potential of commercial satellites to deliver timely images that will enhance Japan’s ability to gather and analyze information. “Collecting data from space is crucial for continuously and accurately assessing the military intentions and capabilities of nations around Japan,” the ministry stated, implicitly referring to China’s increasing military activities and North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs.
The ministry also emphasized its commitment to expanding the use of space systems for national security by collaborating with the private sector. In alignment with Japan’s long-term National Security Strategy, updated in late 2022, the country aims to bolster its “response capabilities in the field of space security” and integrate civilian space technologies into its national defense framework.
For this initiative, which began in April, the ministry has allocated 1.4 billion yen (approximately $9.5 million) for the fiscal year 2024, according to a ministry official. While the government does not directly manage the satellite, which orbits at an altitude of 500 to 600 kilometers above Earth, it is also not solely dedicated to defense purposes.
The satellite utilizes Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology, which can detect surface features even in darkness or through cloud cover and smoke, by emitting radar signals and interpreting the reflected echoes. This capability allows it to overcome the limitations of traditional optical satellites, which depend on sunlight and cannot effectively observe targets in dark or cloudy conditions.
In addition to the Defense Ministry, the Cabinet Office has been involved in projects demonstrating the use of small SAR satellites for various applications, including monitoring natural disasters and managing infrastructure.