QPS Institute

Basic Information

Stock Code
5595
Industry
Information and Communications Industry
Category Detail
Internet Site Operations
Prefecture
Fukuoka Prefecture
Establishment Year
June 2005
Listing Year
December 2023
Official Website
https://i-qps.net/
TSE Information
TSE Information
Yahoo! Finance
Yahoo! Finance
Other Companies
Astroscale Holdings, GN I Group, Liberaware, Terra Drone, Synspective, Metaplanet, Dynamic Map Platform, Data Section, SanBio, Weathernews, Blue Innovation, ALiNK Internet, ispace

Overview

QPS Institute is a space venture founded in 2005, leading the industry in the development and operation of small synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites and satellite data utilization solutions.

Current Situation

QPS Institute recorded non-consolidated sales of approximately 1.65 billion yen and operating profit of approximately 340 million yen in the fiscal year ending May 2024, achieving improved earnings due to the stable operation of commercial small SAR satellites. The company is advancing the construction of the first private-sector satellite constellation, specializing in the provision of high-precision Earth observation data. The latest QPS-SAR No. 6 satellite successfully acquired images with Japan's highest resolution and achieved on-orbit image processing technology for satellite imagery. Strengthening collaboration with government agencies and corporations, it contributes to solving various social issues such as infrastructure management and disaster response. From 2025 onward, it will solidify its growth foundation through mass production of satellites and establishment of new R&D bases, with expanding orders from large-scale Ministry of Defense projects. Aiming for sustainable space utilization and regional development, it is also engaged in SDGs-aligned talent development and promotion of women's active participation. In the future, it anticipates business expansion through innovative technology development and proactive fundraising, with expectations for inclusion in the new TOPIX index from 2026 onward.

Trivia

Interesting Facts

  • Established as a space venture from Kyushu University
  • Successfully launched Japan's first 100kg-class small SAR satellite
  • On-orbit imaging of satellite images is an advanced technology even in the industry
  • Satellite names derived from Japanese mythology gods, with affectionate nicknames
  • Public viewing held at Fukuoka Prefectural Office
  • Successfully developed sun-synchronous orbit satellites like NASA
  • Multiple large-scale Ministry of Defense contracts secured, expanding in Japanese market
  • New factory has 10 times the kitchen area of previous factory
  • Actively introducing systems and programs for women's active participation
  • Awarded for Deep Tech Venture tackling deep issues
  • Plan to build constellation of 36 satellites
  • Significant improvement in image processing speed with onboard FPGA
  • Accelerated business with large-scale fundraising via stock acquisition rights
  • QPS-SAR series utilizes multiple orbits including medium-inclination and sun-synchronous
  • Signed diverse joint research contracts with JAXA despite being private company

Hidden Connections

  • Strategic business alliance with SKY Perfect JSAT and Nippon Koei to develop satellite data business
  • Jointly considering optical data transmission services with NTT Group joint venture
  • Gaining presence as highly reliable private space company for national defense with large Ministry of Defense orders
  • Corporate culture rooted in research and student support centered on Kyushu University
  • Promoting regional revitalization through Fukuoka City demonstration projects and local government collaborations
  • Contracts signed with multiple launch providers including Rocket Lab, SpaceX, and Virgin Orbit
  • Deep academic roots with involvement of emeritus professors like Akira Sakurai and Tetsuo Yasaka in founding
  • Satellite and business names inspired by Japanese mythological gods for branding

Future Outlook

Growth Drivers

  • Construction and expansion of small SAR satellite constellation
  • Improved real-time capabilities through on-orbit imaging technology
  • Increasing large-scale orders from government and defense sectors
  • New market development domestically and internationally with public-private collaborations
  • Cost reduction through strengthened mass production systems
  • Advancement of AI-utilizing satellite data analysis technology
  • Improved communications via inter-satellite data relay systems
  • Strengthened contributions to SDGs and other social challenges
  • Technological innovation through operation of new R&D bases
  • Multi-faceted collaborations with overseas rocket providers
  • Development of next-generation high-performance satellite technology
  • Sustainable growth through space-related talent development

Strategic Goals

  • Completion and operation of constellation with 36 or more satellites
  • Nationwide rollout of quasi-real-time ground observation services
  • Become major player in defense and government procurement markets
  • Global standardization of on-orbit image processing technology
  • Achieve annual sales exceeding 10 billion yen
  • Expansion of research and sales bases in major cities nationwide
  • Launch of new services incorporating AI analysis technology
  • Establishment of safe end-of-life satellite processing systems
  • Strengthened promotion of diverse talent including women
  • Entry into international markets and business rollout in multiple countries

Business Segments

Satellite Data Analysis Services

Overview
Services supporting advanced infrastructure management, disaster prevention, and government operations using satellite imagery.
Competitiveness
Rapid responsiveness through high-frequency observation and on-orbit instant imaging technology
Customers
  • Local governments
  • Infrastructure management companies
  • Ministry of Defense
  • Research institutions
  • Agricultural corporations
  • Fisheries cooperatives
  • Logistics companies
  • Insurance companies
  • Construction companies
  • Government agencies
Products
  • Visual Obstacle Area Monitoring System
  • Real-Time Damage Assessment Tool
  • High-Precision 3D Terrain Maps
  • Anomaly Detection AI Analysis
  • Satellite Data API Integration
  • Image Processing Engine
  • Disaster Recovery Support Tool
  • Operation Automation Platform

Small Satellite Manufacturing Contracts

Overview
Contract design, manufacturing, and custom development of small SAR satellites, with high-quality mass production systems in place.
Competitiveness
Japan's largest-scale manufacturing base and embedded technology capabilities
Customers
  • Domestic and international space venture companies
  • Research institutions
  • Defense-related organizations
  • Universities
  • Private companies
Products
  • Small SAR Satellite Main Unit
  • Imaging Devices
  • Communication Systems
  • Data Processing Units
  • High-Precision Standalone Positioning Technology Satellites

Satellite Constellation Operation Support

Overview
Operation management services supporting integrated operation of multiple satellites and efficient data distribution.
Competitiveness
High-frequency satellite operations and implementation of advanced communication technology
Customers
  • Satellite operation companies
  • Space-related service providers
  • Government agencies
Products
  • Orbit Insertion Adjustment
  • Satellite Operation Monitoring Tools
  • Data Relay Systems
  • Operation Planning

Education and Talent Development Programs

Overview
Educational and training programs aimed at developing future space industry talent.
Competitiveness
Practical on-site technology and industry-academia collaboration expertise directly linked to real-world applications
Customers
  • Integrated junior and senior high schools
  • Universities
  • Technical training institutions
  • Space-related companies
Products
  • Space Engineering Lectures
  • Satellite Technology Training
  • Industry-Academia Collaboration Project Support
  • Engineer Development Workshops

Defense Space Systems Development

Overview
Development, research, and operation of small satellite systems for defense applications.
Competitiveness
Advanced technical standards and reliability for government agencies
Customers
  • Ministry of Defense
  • Intelligence agencies
Products
  • High-Performance Observation Satellites
  • Hypersonic Glide Vehicle Monitoring Systems
  • Precision Geospatial Data Provision

Competitive Advantage

Strengths

  • Pioneered commercialization of small SAR satellites in Japan
  • High-resolution and high-frequency observation technology
  • On-orbit image processing technology
  • Diverse launch track record and partnerships
  • Stable fundraising capabilities
  • Abundant space and AI technology talent
  • Strong local and university collaboration foundation
  • Service deployment to diverse customer segments
  • Extensive satellite manufacturing and operation experience
  • Implementation of advanced FPGA technology
  • Multiple domestic and international orbital deployments
  • Large-scale government contracts secured
  • Industry-leading resolution achievement
  • Established satellite data analysis technology
  • Commitment to environmental and social issues

Competitive Advantages

  • Japan's first company to develop and operate 100kg-class small SAR satellites
  • Possesses world-leading 46cm resolution imaging technology
  • Significantly improved reporting speed with on-orbit imaging devices
  • Launch flexibility through partnerships with multiple rocket providers
  • Leading pioneer in satellite constellation construction
  • Capable of addressing wide market needs through public-private collaboration
  • Strengthened mass production through fundraising capabilities
  • Established regional industry-academia-government collaboration model
  • Strong customer base and diverse solution offerings
  • Possesses high-reliability technology for defense applications
  • Differentiation through integration of AI and satellite data utilization
  • Strategic positioning aligned with space policy
  • Maximizes benefits from emerging space market growth
  • Active introduction of sustainability frameworks
  • Continuous innovation by a highly specialized engineering team

Threats

  • Increasing competition from intensified international space industry rivalry
  • Risk of unstable rocket launch supply
  • Risk of losses from satellite failures or operational issues
  • Policy risks from changes in defense-related regulations
  • Need for rapid response to new technologies
  • Fundraising risks from market environment fluctuations
  • Satellite data privacy and security issues
  • Intensifying price competition in Earth observation market
  • Challenges in acquiring and retaining technical talent
  • Increased orbital risks from space debris
  • Potential reduction in subsidies due to policy changes
  • Business impacts from natural disasters or external shocks

Innovations

2023: Development of FPGA-Equipped On-Orbit Imaging Device

Overview
Achieved high-speed image processing on satellites with onboard FPGA, significantly reducing communication volume.
Impact
Contributes to improved responsiveness and reduced operational costs

2021: First Image Acquisition from High-Resolution Small SAR Satellite

Overview
Achieved range resolution of 0.7m, successfully acquiring Japan's first high-resolution SAR images.
Impact
Contributes to expanded precision and application range of ground observation

2024: Accelerated Satellite Constellation Construction

Overview
Advancing implementation plan for 10-minute interval observation service with 36 satellites.
Impact
Market expansion and realization of real-time monitoring

2022: Joint Research with JAXA on Ultra-Small L-Band SAR Satellite

Overview
Initiated prototype testing for new SAR satellites for forest carbon stock assessment, etc.
Impact
Contributes to advancement of environmental monitoring technology

2024: Initiation of High-Capacity Optical Data Transmission Services

Overview
Began full-scale consideration of satellite data transmission with NTT Group joint venture.
Impact
Strengthens services through improved data transmission efficiency

Sustainability

  • Safe atmospheric re-entry design for satellites at end of life
  • Promotion of talent development through regional industry-academia-government collaboration
  • Eroshi certification with 2 stars for promoting women's active participation
  • Free provision of image data for disaster response activities
  • SDGs contributions recognized by Cabinet Office Space Development Utilization Award