IHI Corporation has reached an agreement with Global Satellite Vu Ltd ("SatVu"), a global leader in developing and operating high-resolution thermal infrared (IR) satellites, to collaborate on the development of a constellation to strengthen Japanese sovereign capability.

A signing ceremony for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IHI and SatVu will be held on September 10, 2025, during the "DSEI UK" defense event in London, United Kingdom ^(*1).

SatVu is a UK-based leader in thermal infrared satellite technology. Following the successful launch of its first satellite, HotSat-1, in 2023, the company plans to expand its constellation with HotSat-2 and HotSat-3 in 2026. SatVu delivers high-resolution thermal intelligence across three core verticals: national security and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), enabling governments to detect unusual activity and monitor critical infrastructure; economic monitoring, providing insights into industrial operations, commodities, and energy resilience; and climate and environmental applications, supporting emissions tracking, urban heat mapping, and rapid response to natural disasters.

Under this agreement, IHI and SatVu will work together to evaluate the utilization of SatVu’s thermal data, define the requirements for a Japanese sovereign high-resolution thermal infrared (IR) satellite constellation, and explore optimal business structures for building and operating the constellation in Japan, including domestic satellite manufacturing.

This collaboration comes as the United Kingdom and Japan strengthen their ties in space and defense, as set out in the Hiroshima Accord in 2023^(*2). This relationship was reinforced during the recent meeting of defense ministers in Tokyo where both governments committed to expanding cooperation, including on emerging technologies such as satellite-based Earth observation and space domain awareness.
Amid growing geopolitical instability, the Japanese government is increasing its investments to strengthen national security to address existing and potential challenges – an effort that IHI is committed to supporting.

In line with its management philosophy of "Contribute to the development of society through technology," IHI aims to lead the development of small satellite constellations by leveraging its engineering expertise. It is intended that the constellation will eventually include various types of satellites - Optical, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), VDES, radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR) and Hyperspectral imaging. The constellation will aim to provide target detection and tracking capabilities essential for operations on land and at sea.

IHI is already collaborating with ICEYE Oy, a world leader in SAR satellites based in Finland, to develop a constellation of up to 24 SAR satellites to provide Earth observation data for security, public, and commercial purposes.

Atsushi Sato, Director, Managing Executive Officer; President of IHI’s Aero Engine, Space & Defense Business Area, comments: “Today’s world is increasingly insecure. Japan’s National Defense Strategy recognizes the importance of strengthening its sovereign capability in space whilst simultaneously opening the door to cooperation and collaboration with allies and like-minded countries with shared strategic interests. High-resolution thermal infrared (IR) data has huge potential to contribute to Japan’s national and economic security. This MoU is the first step in building the sovereign capability of thermal infrared (IR) critical to Japan’s national security in the years to come.”

SatVu Co-Founder and CEO, Anthony Baker’s comments:
"We are delighted to be partnering with IHI to bring SatVu’s world-leading thermal infrared satellite technology to Japan. By combining our expertise with IHI’s proven leadership in aerospace and defense, we can deliver sovereign Earth Observation capabilities that will strengthen Japan’s security and resilience, while unlocking innovative applications across industry, energy, and climate monitoring. This collaboration reflects our SatVu shared vision of harnessing space technology to address some of the most pressing challenges facing societies today."

<About IHI>
IHI Corporation is a major comprehensive heavy-industry manufacturer of Japan, tracing its roots to Japan’s first modern shipbuilding facility established in 1853. It has expanded its business ever since, in recent years providing wide-ranging solutions in the four main areas of Resource, Energy and Environment; Social Infrastructure; Industrial Systems and General-purpose Machinery; and Aero Engine, Space and Defense. In the field of satellites, IHI Aerospace provides propulsion systems and devices, while Meisei Electric provides sensors for space companies and organizations such as JAXA. IHI has also worked recently to solve its customers’ problems by engaging in business using satellite information and data.

＜About SatVu＞
SatVu provides critical thermal intelligence to help governments and enterprises see and solve what traditional Earth observation cannot detect. Using space-based infrared technology, SatVu delivers near real-time data on heat emissions and energy loss across the planet. This intelligence is used to monitor industrial activity, assess climate resilience, strengthen national security and manage infrastructure exposure in fast-changing environments. SatVu’s data reveals where energy is wasted, where heat is intensifying and where risk is growing - from urban centers to remote industrial sites. With the successful launch in June 2023 of their pathfinder satellite, HotSat-1, built in partnership with Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd, SatVu is building thermal monitoring capability for the UK and its global partners.

・Website: https://www.satellitevu.com/
・Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/satvu/

*1: DSEI UK:（https://www.dsei.co.uk/ ）
DSEI is the largest integrated defence and security exhibition in London. The next event will take place from 9 to 12 September 2025 at Excel London.

*2: Hiroshima Accord
On May 18, 2023, ahead of the G7 Hiroshima Summit, Japan and the United Kingdom announced a comprehensive partnership agreement aimed at further deepening cooperation between the two countries. The agreement seeks to strengthen collaboration particularly in the areas of security, economy, technology, energy, and climate change.

＜Related Press Release＞
22 May 2025
IHI and ICEYE agree to cooperate to develop earth-observation satellite constellation- Satellites to be manufactured and operated in Japan to strengthen national security- Imagery & capacity could be shared with Japan’s allies & like-minded countries | 2025FY | News Articles | IHI Corporation

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