StriX

Synspective prepared for two demonstration satellites, StriX-a and StriX-ß, which are scheduled for launch in 2020 and 2021. By 2022, Synspective will launch four commercial satellites, aiming to build and operate a system that enables wide-area, high-frequency, ground observation with a constellation of 30 satellites.

Named after “Strix uralensis”, the scientific name of the owl, the 100kg class SAR satellite can gather data 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, regardless of weather conditions. The owl is known for its keen eyesight, and like its animal namesake, the StriX satellite constellation can target data with a ground resolution of 1-3m, single polarized (VV), and a swath width of more than 10-30km. The StriX observation modes are Stripmap and Sliding Spotlight mode and each satellite has an SAR antenna that is 5 meters in length and stowed during launch. The simple design of the satellites allows for affordable development of the constellation.

The development of the SAR originally began as part of the Japanese government’s program called ImPACT (Impulsing Paradigm Change through Disruptive Technologies Program). As a result, the development team consists of experienced members and reviewers from space and consumer product industries with universities and space agencies.

The SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) sends microwaves from the satellite to Earth and receives the reflected signal to create an image of the target area. The observation by the SAR enables twenty-four hour monitoring, even with cloud coverage, when optical earth observation satellites are less effective. The StriX satellites use X-band for precise monitoring. These features are suitable for the monitoring of the cities and infrastructures that are Synspective's primary targets.

One of the major technical features of the SAR is the "InSAR" technology, which can detect millimeter-level shifts in the ground surface. This is a technical method for measuring changes in ground surfaces. It can detect a wide range of millimeter-level shifts without the need for on-site measurement equipment, so it is possible to observe ground subsidence, upheaval, and other changes. The InSAR is suitable for the continuous monitoring of cities and infrastructure. Synspective provides "Land Displacement Monitoring" service which utilizes this technology.

Future SAR satellite constellations are supported by ecosystem development, based on frequency, freshness and high resolution. Synspective not only develops satellites, but also constructs an ecosystem. Suppliers provide us with inter-satellite networks or ground-based systems for satellite operations and data processing, all of which are to achieve the three key words: frequency, freshness, and high resolution. The Synspective SAR has a simple configuration while still maintaining a similar performance with bigger SAR satellites. This feature is adequate for the industrialization of satellite production needed for quick installation of the constellation.

The SAR antenna can be stored in the small satellite configuration even though it is 5m long. The electronics stored within the small body of the satellite consist of an amp, control electronics and waveguides. The high power necessary for SAR operation is generated by the solar cells that are located on the back-side of the SAR antenna. Synspective has also developed the functions specialized for the SAR according to a high power control unit and agile attitude maneuvers. It will also demonstrate precise orbit control methods for the InSAR and on-board deep learning technology.

Synspective realizes, with partners, the network, data processing and autonomous control for satellites, as well as ground systems and factories. It is continually developing and researching necessary technologies in this field, and implement them to each generation. The current technologies being developed are a new SAR system, high efficiency amps, upgraded SAR electronics, light weight and modifiable antenna, inter-satellite communication network, on-board data processing, agile tasking, on-board planning, fault detection using telemetry and test data, quick fault recovery, factory digitization, knowledge modelling (model-based systems engineering) and so on.

“StriX-a” is in the 100kg satellites class and about 1/10 of a conventional large SAR satellite. StriX-a, which was launched in 2020, will provide technical on-orbit performance verification to connect data to yhe solutions platform, making it the world's first combination of in-house demonstration satellites and in-house solutions. The next generation, StriX-ß, was scheduled for launch in 2021 with a variety of updated features.

At 19:09 on 15 December 2020 (JST), the small SAR satellite “StriX-a” was launched by Rocket Lab’s Electron, from New Zealand’s Mahia Peninsula launch site, and put into target orbit: a Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO), with an altitude of 500km. Functions including both observation and data acquisition, will be verified over the next several months.

Synspective founder and CEO, Dr. Motoyuki Arai, commented:“Thanks to the efforts and hard work of both the Rocket Lab and Synspective teams we were able to achieve a successful launch, despite the difficult environment of COVID-19. With the launch of StriX-a, Synspective will be able to demonstrate its satellite capabilities and data processing technology. This is the first step towards our constellation of 30 satellites and along with the development of our solutions, a full-scale business expansion will begin. Starting with this success, we will move tangibly closer towards the attainment of an advanced world, expanding people’s understanding and learning capabilities with new data and technologies.”

Rocket Lab founder and CEO, Peter Beck, says:“Congratulations to the team at Synspective for the successful deployment of their first satellite. We’re proud to be able to continue to provide dedicated launch opportunities for small satellite customers like Synspective, so that they no longer face long waits to launch on unproven launch vehicles or have to fly with limitations as a secondary payload on rideshares without the in-space maneuvrability our Kick Stage provides for small sats.”