QPS Institute

QPS Institute, founded in 2005 as a spin-off from Kyushu University, is a Japanese space technology company specializing in the development and operation of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites. The company focuses on Earth observation, providing high-resolution radar imagery regardless of weather conditions or time of day. QPS Institute is building a constellation of small SAR satellites, branded as QPS-SAR, with a current focus on deploying and operating the “Yachihoko-I” satellite, which recently captured its first images.

A key differentiator for QPS Institute is its ambition to achieve near real-time Earth observation capabilities. The company plans to expand its constellation to 24 satellites by 2027 and ultimately to 36, enabling observation of most global locations with an average interval of 10 minutes. This capability will support applications requiring frequent and timely data, such as disaster monitoring, infrastructure management, and environmental assessment.

QPS Institute leverages technology originating from Kyushu University’s small satellite development program and collaborates with a network of over 25 companies, primarily located in Northern Kyushu, to drive innovation and manufacturing. The company recently established QPS Holdings and is publicly traded (5595).

Through its QPS-SAR constellation, QPS Institute aims to provide a unique value proposition in the Earth observation market by offering high-frequency, all-weather radar imagery, positioning it as a key player in the growing demand for rapid and reliable geospatial data.