QPS Institute Signs Extended Long-term Partnership Agreement with KSAT for 36-Satellite Constellation
QPS Institute has secured a long-term partnership with Norway's KSAT to support its goal of a 36-satellite SAR constellation by 2030. The agreement focuses on utilizing the automated 'KSATlite' ground station network to ensure near-real-time global observation capabilities.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 4, 2026 at 00:32
- 🔍 Collected: June 3, 2026 at 15:50
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 3, 2026 at 16:19 (28 min after Collected)
QPS Institute (Fukuoka, Japan; CEO: Shunsuke Ohnishi), a leader in small Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite development, has signed a long-term partnership agreement with Norway-based ground station provider Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT). This partnership is a key step toward realizing a 36-satellite 'QPS-SAR' constellation capable of providing near-real-time observation data.
A signing ceremony took place on June 3rd at Meiji Kinenkan in Tokyo, attended by Minister Counsellor Fredrik Steen from the Royal Norwegian Embassy and Wataru Takahama, Director of the Space Industry Division at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).
Since the launch of QPS-SAR No. 2 'IZANAMI', QPS and KSAT have collaborated on Launch & Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) and ground station services. As QPS aims to build a 36-satellite network by 2030, it has decided to adopt 'KSATlite'—an automated ground station service designed specifically for small satellites and mega-constellations—for its future expansion. This agreement marks a major milestone in securing the global network necessary for near-real-time monitoring.
### Comment from Kenneth Olafsson, Head of KSAT Asia & Representative of KSAT Japan
'We are honored to continue supporting the rapidly expanding QPS-SAR project. QPS Institute, with its practical social and strategic missions and shared purpose-driven space technology, remains a vital long-term partner for KSAT. We deeply appreciate their trust in us.'
### Comment from Shunsuke Ohnishi, CEO of QPS Institute
'KSAT has played a critical role since our second satellite, providing essential support for early operations and mission-critical networks. With their proven track record and globally reliable infrastructure, KSAT is an incredibly dependable partner in advancing our mission.'
### About the QPS-SAR Project
QPS Institute has developed a patented, lightweight, and high-storage large deployable antenna. This technology enables high-power signals, resulting in high-definition small SAR satellites that are 1/20th the mass and 1/100th the cost of traditional SAR satellites. QPS-SAR can achieve 46cm resolution, a world-class standard for commercial satellites. Currently operating 9 satellites, QPS aims for 24 by May 2028 and 36 by 2030 to provide observation data at an average 10-minute interval.
A signing ceremony took place on June 3rd at Meiji Kinenkan in Tokyo, attended by Minister Counsellor Fredrik Steen from the Royal Norwegian Embassy and Wataru Takahama, Director of the Space Industry Division at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).
Since the launch of QPS-SAR No. 2 'IZANAMI', QPS and KSAT have collaborated on Launch & Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) and ground station services. As QPS aims to build a 36-satellite network by 2030, it has decided to adopt 'KSATlite'—an automated ground station service designed specifically for small satellites and mega-constellations—for its future expansion. This agreement marks a major milestone in securing the global network necessary for near-real-time monitoring.
### Comment from Kenneth Olafsson, Head of KSAT Asia & Representative of KSAT Japan
'We are honored to continue supporting the rapidly expanding QPS-SAR project. QPS Institute, with its practical social and strategic missions and shared purpose-driven space technology, remains a vital long-term partner for KSAT. We deeply appreciate their trust in us.'
### Comment from Shunsuke Ohnishi, CEO of QPS Institute
'KSAT has played a critical role since our second satellite, providing essential support for early operations and mission-critical networks. With their proven track record and globally reliable infrastructure, KSAT is an incredibly dependable partner in advancing our mission.'
### About the QPS-SAR Project
QPS Institute has developed a patented, lightweight, and high-storage large deployable antenna. This technology enables high-power signals, resulting in high-definition small SAR satellites that are 1/20th the mass and 1/100th the cost of traditional SAR satellites. QPS-SAR can achieve 46cm resolution, a world-class standard for commercial satellites. Currently operating 9 satellites, QPS aims for 24 by May 2028 and 36 by 2030 to provide observation data at an average 10-minute interval.
FAQ
What is the significance of the KSATlite network for QPS Institute's 36-satellite constellation by 2030?
The KSATlite network provides automated ground station support for near-real-time global SAR observation capabilities.
How many satellites does QPS Institute plan to operate with KSAT's support by 2030?
QPS Institute plans to operate a 36-satellite SAR constellation with KSAT's support by 2030.
Which ground station network will QPS Institute use under its agreement with KSAT?
QPS Institute will use the KSATlite automated ground station network under its agreement with KSAT.
What year is QPS Institute targeting to complete its 36-satellite SAR constellation with KSAT?
QPS Institute is targeting the year 2030 to complete its 36-satellite SAR constellation with KSAT.
What type of satellite technology does the QPS Institute and KSAT partnership focus on?
The partnership focuses on synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite technology for global observation.