Synspective signed with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to place part of its StriX constellation on a domestic H3 launcher, marking the first time satellites that feed Japan’s Ministry of Defense will launch from Japanese soil.
The StriX constellation supplies radar imagery to Japan’s Ministry of Defense under a subcontract worth 105.6 billion yen through March 2031.
StriX satellites weigh about 100 kg, deploy a roughly 5 m radar antenna, and operate in a mid-inclination orbit suited to frequent passes over economic centers and disaster-prone areas.
This move places part of the constellation that supplies radar imagery to Japan's Ministry of Defense onto a domestic launcher for the first time. Synspective described the deal as a step toward strategic autonomy in access to space and said selecting the H3 gives a reliable path to expand the constellation quickly.
StriX satellites use synthetic aperture radar (SAR). SAR bounces radio pulses off the ground to build images, which allows imaging through clouds and at night. Each satellite weighs about 100 kg (220 lb) and unfolds a radar antenna roughly 5 m (16 ft) wide once in orbit. Synspective plans a mid-inclination orbit to allow frequent revisit times over major economic centers and disaster-prone regions, including across the Asia–Pacific.
How this fits with existing plans and contracts
Synspective is also part of a seven-company group selected by Japan's Ministry of Defense in December 2025 to build and operate a privately financed satellite constellation for national defense imagery. That main contract, signed Feb. 19, 2026, is worth 283.1 billion yen and runs through March 2031. Synspective's subcontract is valued at 105.6 billion yen and covers radar imagery to support Japan's stand-off defense capabilities.
Fund, a government program that backs Japanese space companies. Synspective said selection for the fund indicates its technology aligns with Japan's national space policy. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which builds and operates the H3 rocket, replaced the H-IIA as Japan's principal large launcher.
Concrete implications for Japan's defense and civil use
Synspective did not disclose the contract value with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries or a precise launch date beyond the general 2027 timeframe. Rocket Lab remains a key launch partner for Synspective until the constellation reaches its target size.
Japan's defense-related SAR constellation onto a domestic launcher, aligning industry, government funding, and national policy toward more domestic launch capability while Synspective continues to expand its constellation using a mix of launch providers.
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