Synspective, a Japanese startup which provides satellite data solutions using small Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites that can image day, night and through clouds for commercial customers around the world, accumulated $100 million in funding since its founding in February 2018.
Synspective said that it reached the funding level through a recent capital raise, and that 12 firms helped it reach US$100 million, including the Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation, Shimizu Corporation and the Keio Innovation Initiative 1-LPS.
Synspective’s first satellite, a 150-kilogram demonstrator, is slated to launch on an Arianespace Vega rocket in 2020.
It made no mention of how a July 10 failure of a Vega rocket carrying an Emirati imaging satellite will affect its launch plans. An investigation by Arianespace, Vega rocket builder Avio, and other involved parties is ongoing.
Synspective provides one-stop solutions by satellite gathered geospatial data. The core technology was developed by the ImPACT program led by The Cabinet Office, Government of Japan. Synspective uses SAR satellites to provide data and produce user-friendly information to governments and private companies.
SAR satellites actively observe and acquire earth surface information by transmitting and receiving reflected microwaves. Compared to optical satellites, which depend on sunlight reflection, SAR can capture images of the ground surface in all-weather conditions and any time of the day or night.
Synspective is planning a constellation called StriX, comprised of 100-kilogram satellites capable of imaging at a resolution of one to three meters, according to the company website.
By 2022 the startup hopes to have six satellites in orbit, enabling sufficient imaging capacity to cover all of Asia’s major cities.
“By providing objective satellite data, Synspective will contribute to the progress of the advancing world by supporting people’s decision-making and impactful actions,” Synspective co-founder and CEO Motoyuki Arai said.
Sources: Space News, Financial Post and Via Satellite