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Synspective, Inc. is a Japanese company that develops and operates small Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites to provide geospatial data and solutions utilizing the satellite data. It develops small SAR satellites applying technology developed under a government initiative called ImPACT, which was funded by the Cabinet Office of Japan and provides data observed by the satellites. It also provides solutions using geospatial data and machine learning for private enterprises and governments.

History

Synspective was established in February 2018. The company is named after its mission: Synthetic Data for Perspective. Synspective raised 10.9 billion Japanese Yen (approx. 100 million USD) in total by July 2019, which was the world’s fastest for a space industry start-up. In December 2020, it launched the first demonstration satellite StriX-α and succeeded in acquiring the first image in February 2021, turning it into the first Japanese private company to capture an image from a small (100kg class) SAR satellite. It plans to build a constellation of 30 satellites by 2030.

Synspective’s Satellites

The satellites of Synspective are original small Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites, which uses the technology resulting from a Japanese government led program called ImPACT (Impulsing Paradigm Change through Disruptive Technologies Program). A SAR satellite observes a landscape and structural objects using microwaves, which can penetrate clouds. Therefore, it can observe the surface of the Earth regardless of day/night and weather conditions including cloud coverage. It is expected to be utilized in regions where the land tends to be covered by clouds which optical satellites cannot observe. The satellites utilized by Synspective are of the 100 kg class, which is 1/10 of the weight of a conventional large SAR satellite.

Constellation plan

Synspective plans to establish a constellation of 6 satellites in the early 2020s and 30 satellites in the late 2020s. The constellation of 30 satellites orbiting in low altitude enables them to observe the Earth wherever a disaster happens within two hours (with the constellation of 6 satellites, in 24 hours).

StriX Series

On 15 December, 2020, Synspective launched the first demonstration satellite StriX-α by an Electron rocket provided by Rocked Lab from the launch site in Māhia Peninsula, New Zealand. On February 2021, it successfully acquired the first image which made it the first private Japanese company producing small (100 kg class) SAR satellites to do so.

The StriX series is the first SAR satellite to adopt a slotted waveguide antenna array system, which is composed of seven light and thin antenna panels. Since the antenna panels are folded at the time of launch, the satellite becomes as small as a 70 cm cube in size, allowing the satellite to fit in the payload fairing of a small rocket. The five mater antennas automatically open after the satellite reaches low earth orbit. The StriX satellites can target data with a ground resolution of 1-3m, with single polarized (VV), and a swath width of more than 10-30km.

Observation modes

The StriX series provides the two observation modes: Stripmap and Sliding Spotlight.

Stripmap mode

The satellite radar sends pulses that illuminate Earth’s surface over a large elliptical antenna footprint. The satellite look direction is constant and approximately perpendicular to its track in the space. Consequently the antenna footprint is always to the side of the satellite. Stripmap mode allows it to obtain multiple images in succession along the track of the satellite.

Sliding Spotlight mode

By stearing the pulse direction opposite to the satellite’s flight, antenna footprint moves over the earth’s surface more slowly than Stripmap mode. This allows it to obtain a higher resolution image than Stripmap.

Solution Service

Synspective provides solutions combining satellite data and other data, such as Land Displacement Monitoring and Flood Damage Assessment, based on the issues of customers.

Land Displacement Monitoring

“Synspective Land Displacement Monitoring” service originates from InSAR analysis that is capable of timely detecting millimeter scale vertical land displacement over a wide area. This service enables periodical observation and understanding of land subsidence and deformation.

Flood Damage Assessment

“Synspective Flood Damage Assessment Solution” evaluates inundation damage. In the event of an inundation disaster, SAR satellites, which can observe the Earth regardless of weather and time, can provide geospatial data to quickly evaluate the damage and severity. The tool can promptly identify the level of impact on facilities such as roads and buildings.

See also

Synspective, Inc.

ImPACT (Impulsing Paradigm Change through Disruptive Technologies Program)