QPS-SAR constellation
iQPS's small radar imaging satellites, about half-meter sharp, which the company plans to grow to 24 by May 2028 for near-real-time imaging.
Why it matters
Radar sees through clouds and darkness, so a large fleet can check places like disaster zones or ports every few minutes rather than waiting for a clear daytime pass. It can also track moving objects such as ships and vehicles.
How the technology works
Each QPS-SAR satellite, in the 100 kg class, unfolds a large lightweight antenna in orbit to send radar pulses and build an image from the echoes. In spotlight mode QPS-SAR-18 produced images at about 0.46 m resolution.
iQPS plans 24 satellites by May 2028 for an average 10-minute revisit.
Sources
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction