Japanese Satellite Operator to Invest in Low-Earth Orbit Constellation
TOKYO, Japan (Reuters) - SKY Perfect JSAT, a leading Japanese broadcaster and satellite operator, plans to invest approximately $230 million in a constellation of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. The company will leverage the technology of Planet Labs' Pelican satellite for this project.
JSAT's entry into the Earth observation satellite market marks a significant expansion for the company. The investment will be made through its American subsidiary.
Following the announcement, JSAT's shares experienced a surge of up to 9%. The company is the largest broadcast and communication satellite operator in Asia.
JSAT's investment underscores the growing demand for Earth observation data from industries such as agriculture, infrastructure, and environmental monitoring. The company aims to capitalize on this demand by leveraging its expertise in satellite operations.