IHI Corporation has entered into a cooperation agreement with Global Satellite Vu (satvu), specializing in the development and operation of high -resolution satellites of thermal infrared (AND) sounding, To create a satellite system, that will enhance the sovereign capabilities of Japan. The signing of a memorandum of mutual understanding took place 10 September 2025 year during a defensive measure “DSEI UK” in London, Great Britain.
satvu, British company, a leader in thermal infrared sensing technologies, successfully launched its first satellite HotSat-1 in 2023 year and plans to expand the group of HotSat-2 and HotSat-3 satellites in 2026 year. SatVu provides high-resolution thermal sensing data for three main directions: national security and intelligence, Observation and reconnaissance (ISR); economic monitoring of industrial activity, raw materials and energy sustainability; as well as climatic and environmental applications, including emissions tracking, mapping heat islands in cities and responding to natural disasters.
According to the agreement, IHI and SatVu will evaluate the use of SatVu thermal data, will determine the requirements for Japan's sovereign system of high-resolution IR satellites and explore optimal business models for its creation and operation in Japan, including local production of satellites. This collaboration is in line with strengthening ties between the UK and Japan in space and defence, enshrined in the Hiroshima Agreement 2023 year, and confirmed by the recent meeting of defense ministers in Tokyo, where both parties committed to expanding cooperation, in particular, in the technologies of satellite sensing of the Earth and space situational awareness.
In the context of growing geopolitical instability, the Japanese government is increasing investments in national security, to counter existing and potential threats, and IHI is committed to supporting these efforts. In line with IHI's management philosophy “Contribute to the development of society through technology”, the company aims to lead the development of groups of small satellites, using his engineering experience. It is planned to create a constellation, which will include optical satellites, SAR, DIES, radio frequency (RF), infrared (AND) and hyperspectral sensing to detect and track targets on land and at sea.
IHI already cooperates with the Finnish company ICEYE, a leader in SAR satellites, to create a group with 24 devices, that will provide Earth observation data for security, public and commercial purposes.
Source: https://www.ihi.co.jp