IHI Corporation and IHI Aerospace Co., Ltd are pleased to announce the successful launch of the ultra-compact hyperspectral satellite "IHI-SAT2"^※1 (hereinafter "the satellite"), manufactured by leading small satellite provider Kongsberg NanoAvionics based in the Republic of Lithuania. The satellite was successfully launched on November 28 (local time) from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA, aboard Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX)'s Transporter-15 mission.

The primary purpose of launching IHI-SAT2 is to acquire hyperspectral satellite images from various regions around the world and to advance data analysis technologies. Hyperspectral satellite images capture more detailed information across a wide range of wavelength bands than conventional optical satellite images. This enables highly accurate, large-scale analysis of forest characteristics, including tree species, growth conditions, and early signs of disease. By leveraging this data, the satellite is expected to create value across various fields, such as forest management and the development of carbon credits that account for differences in carbon sequestration among tree species.
Furthermore, operating its own satellite enables IHI to quickly obtain data from necessary areas, allowing for faster improvement in forest monitoring and analysis technologies.

Through this satellite launch, IHI aims not only to enhance its hyperspectral observation capabilities but also to accumulate operational expertise in satellite management. The insight gained will be applied to further develop technologies for forest management operations under NeXT FOREST, a joint venture established with Sumitomo Forestry Co., Ltd. Furthermore, hyperspectral satellite will serve as a key component of the Earth observation satellite constellation^*2 that IHI plans to build in the future. Knowledge and experience acquired through this IHI-SAT2 will be incorporated into future developments.


Guided by its management philosophy of "contributing to the development of society through technology," IHI will leverage its broad technological expertise—from satellite manufacturing to satellite data utilization—to advance its forest management and carbon credit businesses into sustainable operations that coexist with nature. Through the provision of integrated engineering services combining diverse solutions, IHI will continue contributing to the achievement of carbon neutrality by 2050.

In addition to IHI-SAT2, the launch also carried on board a technology demonstration satellite^*3 developed by ArkEdge Space Inc. and as part of the Important Technology Program for Economic Security, in which IHI serves as the lead company. By actively engaging in various space-based technology demonstrations, IHI will continue building toward a robust and valuable satellite constellation.

【About IHI-SAT2】
・Size: 6U (approximately 10 cm × 20 cm × 30 cm)
・Operational period: 3 years

*1 IHI Group’s Satellite Operation Achievements
The IHI Group has an established track record in satellite operations. In 2021, the IHI Group released the AIS (Automatic Identification System) satellite "IHI-SAT" from the International Space Station (ISS). For details, please refer to the information below.
IHI & Space BD Successful Launch and Deployment of the AIS Receiving System Demonstration Satellite IHI-SAT to ISS -Addressing need for more efficient marine logistics & marine surveillance and accelerating space utilization-business-| Fiscal Year 2022 | News | IHI Corporation

*2 IHI Group’s Earth Observation Satellite Constellation Initiative
The IHI Group has signed a satellite procurement agreement with ICEYE for the construction of an Earth observation satellite constellation aimed at security, public, and commercial applications. For details, please refer to the information below.
IHI and ICEYE agree to build an Earth observation satellite constellation to reinforce Japan’s national security and economic security| Fiscal Year 2025 | News | IHI Corporation

*3 IHI Group’s Initiatives for Promoting Maritime DX and Enhancing Maritime Situation Awareness
For the latest information regarding this initiative, please refer to the details below.
Development of an Ultra-Compact Satellite Constellation System for Promoting Maritime DX and Enhancing Maritime Situation Awareness

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