Sydney, October 30, 2025 – Inovor Technologies is proud to announce the signing of a Joint Development Agreement with Japanese partners IHI Corporation (“IHI”) and Meisei Electric Co., Ltd (“Meisei”) at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Sydney. This agreement builds on Inovor’s selection by the South Australian Government under the Economic Recovery Fund (ERF) for a project focused on advancing space infrastructure and marks a significant step forward in the company’s ambition to develop a dedicated satellite contributing to reinforcing MDA (Maritime Domain Awareness) capability through international collaboration with IHI and Meisei.
A strategic collaboration between Australia and Japan...
The collaboration brings together leading expertise from two nations to jointly develop a new space capability:
- Inovor Technologies will take charge of overall project management in Australia, development of the satellite bus, assembly, integration, and testing (AIT) of the satellite bus and mission module provided by MEISEI, transportation of the satellite for launch, and satellite operations.
- IHI, a Japanese prime with extensive experience in the development and manufacturing of solid rockets and propulsion systems, will oversee project management in Japan, and is considering providing future launch service for the satellite by its subsidiary IHI Aerospace.
- Meisei, a Japanese company and subsidiary of IHI, with extensive experience in the development for observation technology and mission instruments for space science. To date, it has sent over 3,000 components into space, including those used in satellites, rockets, and space stations. Now, MEISEI will be responsible for designing the satellite mission module on this project.
During the Program Term, each party will use commercially reasonable efforts to conduct its activities as set forth in the Development Plan and this Agreement.
"This agreement is a milestone event for Inovor and South Australia’s growing space sector. By working closely with IHI and Meisei, we are not only developing a new satellite for MDA but also establishing an enduring international partnership that will accelerate technological innovation and create opportunities for both our workforce and our state. We are grateful for the support of the South Australian Government through the Economic Recovery Fund, which has made this collaboration possible."
“We are delighted to partner with Inovor on this important project. Through this partnership, we aim to enhance Earth observation technology from space and contribute to strengthening MDA capabilities in both Japan and Australia. Furthermore, we believe that this collaboration will deepen the bilateral relationship in the defense and space sectors and contribute to reinforcing security resilience.”
"For MEISEI, this collaboration with Inovor is considered as an important opportunity to apply the results of our research and development into practical, high-performing satellite sensors. By combining the expertise of Japan and Australia, we are committed to developing new sensors for this satellite to achieve global outcomes, including contributions to maritime surveillance."
This announcement underscores South Australia’s emergence as a global leader in space innovation and the success of the Economic Recovery Fund in fostering international collaborations that strengthen economic complexity, create local jobs, and expand sovereign space capability.
This partnership also highlights the deep and enduring friendship between Japan and Australia, showcasing how collaboration in space can strengthen ties between the two nations while advancing shared technological and economic goals.
