An Iceye satellite in orbit. Photo: Iceye

Iceye plans to develop a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) constellation with Japanese heavy industry company IHI Corporation under a new MoU announced Thursday. IHI and Iceye plan to establish a satellite manufacturing facility in Japan and develop a SAR constellation of up to 24 satellites.

This is the latest in a string of recent Iceye agreements forming joint ventures to establish satellite manufacturing in various countries and providing satellites for global governments in the United Arab Emirates, Greece, Spain, Germany, and Poland. Last week, Poland’s Ministry of National Defense ordered three SAR satellites from Iceye.

Iceye and IHI said the Earth Observation (EO) constellation would support data for military, civilian, and commercial purposes. The MoU is subject to definitive agreements and official approvals.

Atsushi Sato, president of IHI’s Aero Engine, Space & Defense business called it “the first step” in realizing new capabilities for Japan’s national security.

“Today’s world is increasingly insecure. Japan’s National Defense Strategy recognizes the importance of strengthening its own sovereign capability in space whilst simultaneously opening the door to cooperation and collaboration with allies/like-minded countries who share the nation’s strategic interests,” Sato commented.