Synspective

Synspective is a Japanese space startup that provides geospatial data and analytics solutions by developing and operating a constellation of small Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites. The company was founded in February 2018 by Dr. Motoyuki Arai, who serves as CEO, and Professor Seiko Shirasaka. The core technology for its compact, low-cost SAR satellites was developed through the ImPACT program, a Japanese government-led R&D initiative.

Founder and CEO, Dr. Motoyuki Arai, has a background in management consulting, where he assisted global companies with new business and technology strategies. He holds a PhD in Technology Management for Innovation from the University of Tokyo, with research focused on energy systems for economic growth in developing countries. This experience shaped his vision for using data-driven approaches to achieve sustainable development. Co-founder Seiko Shirasaka, a professor at Keio University's Graduate School of System Design and Management, is an expert in systems engineering and space systems. He previously spent 15 years at Mitsubishi Electric Corporation working on space system development projects, including the H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV). Shirasaka was a program manager for the ImPACT program that developed the small SAR satellite technology, and he sought a business-savvy CEO to commercialize it, leading him to Arai.

Synspective's business model is centered on two main offerings: the sale of SAR satellite data and providing cloud-based analytics solutions. The company designs, builds, and operates its own constellation of 100kg-class SAR satellites, named 'StriX'. These satellites can capture high-resolution imagery (up to 25cm) day or night, regardless of weather conditions like clouds or smoke. The company launched its first satellite, StriX-α, in December 2020 and aims to establish a constellation of over 30 satellites, enabling near real-time monitoring of any location on Earth. The company has established a mass-production facility for its satellites in collaboration with manufacturing partners.

The company serves both government and commercial clients across various industries. Its solutions include Land Displacement Monitoring (LDM) for detecting millimeter-scale ground movement to assess risks for infrastructure, a Flood Damage Assessment (FDA) service for disaster response, and a Forest and Infrastructure Monitoring (FIM) solution for applications in forestry and carbon monitoring. Clients use this data for infrastructure management, disaster preparedness, natural resource management, and national security. Synspective has established a global presence with offices in Japan, Singapore, and the US, and recently expanded into Europe. The company has also formed strategic partnerships, including one with Airbus Defence and Space to broaden data access for customers worldwide.

Keywords: SAR satellite, geospatial data, earth observation, remote sensing, data analytics, StriX constellation, land displacement monitoring, disaster management, infrastructure monitoring, Motoyuki Arai, Seiko Shirasaka, synthetic aperture radar, satellite imagery, geospatial solutions, space technology, flood damage assessment, forest monitoring, ground deformation analysis, asset management, risk assessment