Kyushu-based startup, QPS Research Institute, has successfully launched its fifth small satellite on Dec. 15 from New Zealand. This launch marks the second satellite in their ambitious plan to create a satellite network comprising 24 satellites by May 2028. The network aims to provide a service capable of capturing images of the Earth’s surface every 15 to 30 minutes. The company plans to launch two more satellites within the fiscal year ending in May 2024.
The fifth satellite was launched at 1:05 PM (Japan time) by the American company Rocket Lab from Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand, and entered orbit at 2:02 PM, with successful communication established about 40 minutes later. The satellite’s primary goal is to acquire images.
Initially, the launch was planned with Virgin Orbit, but due to the company’s financial collapse, it was delayed.
QPS Research Institute’s satellites are equipped with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), which allows for imaging the Earth’s surface by analyzing reflected microwaves, even during cloudy, rainy, or nighttime conditions. This capability is crucial for rapid disaster assessment and is expected to aid in disaster prevention.
Having recently listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market on Dec. 6, the Institute plans to use the raised funds to launch up to the 18th satellite (out of the 24 planned) by May 2026. They also aim to expand their manufacturing facility by May 2025, increasing their annual production capacity to 10 satellites, 2.5 times the current rate. Source: QPS
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