PASCO Corp. Satellite Business Division

Name

PASCO Corp. Satellite Business Division

Legal name

株式会社パスコ (PASCO Corporation)

Website

https://alos-pasco.com

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Earth Observation Satellite Data

NAICS

Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services (54136), Surveying and Mapping (except Geophysical) Services (541370)

SIC

Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812)

akta.pro primary industry

Satellite Imagery & Remote Sensing Geospatial Platforms (BPAMANAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Remote Sensing & Earth Observation Analytics (Satellite/UAV/LiDAR, Image Processing) (EUAHAKAD), Disaster Response & Search and Rescue (SAR) (BPADADAA), Remote Sensing & Geospatial Vision (satellite/drone imagery) (HDAAAEAL)

Keywords

• Synthetic aperture radar
• Satellite imagery sales
• InSAR analysis services
• Geospatial data distribution
• Earth observation data

Headquarters

HQ city

Tokyo

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Satellite Data Licensing (Archive): PASCO sells archived satellite imagery from ALOS-4 and ALOS-2 via its PLATFORM online portal. Customers search for available data, place orders, and download products electronically. Payment is accepted via bank transfer or credit card. Delivery is typically 5–7 business days for archive orders. Pricing varies by processing level, observation mode, and scene count.
2. New Observation Orders (ALOS-2): PASCO accepts custom observation requests for ALOS-2 (new observations are not available for ALOS-4). Customers submit observation parameters including area of interest, observation period, mode, and polarization. After feasibility confirmation and quote issuance, orders are placed via the PLATFORM once data is collected.
3. PASCO Satellite Image (PSI) / PASCO Satellite Ortho (PSO): Value-added satellite image products with ortho geometric correction and color tone correction applied. PSI provides 1.5m resolution annual coverage of all Japan including islands, at ¥61,000 per mesh unit (minimum 10km x 10km). PSO provides nationwide 2.5m ortho mosaic of Japan from ALOS data (2006–2011).
4. Professional Services / Custom Analysis: PASCO provides custom interferometric SAR analysis, ground deformation monitoring reports, and other analytical services based on satellite data. These are quoted and delivered as project-based engagements.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

PASCO Corp. Satellite Business Division is the exclusive globally licensed distributor of JAXA's ALOS-4 (だいち4号) and ALOS-2 (だいち2号) L-band SAR satellite imagery data. It sells archived and newly tasked Earth observation imagery through its PLATFORM online portal (satpf.jp/spf), offering multiple processing levels (raw to ortho-corrected) and observation modes (Spotlight, StripMap, ScanSAR). The division also resells third-party satellite data (TerraSAR-X, Pléiades, SPOT, WorldView-3, PLANET DOVE), distributes ERDAS IMAGINE software, and provides custom InSAR analytical services for disaster monitoring, infrastructure surveillance, and environmental applications.

Product overview

PASCO Corp. Satellite Business Division operates as a satellite data sales and distribution platform for JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency). The core offering centers on two L-band SAR satellites: ALOS-2 (だいち2号, operational since 2014) and ALOS-4 (だいち4号, launched July 2024, data sales started November 2025), which carry the PALSAR-2 and PALSAR-3 sensors respectively. Data is ordered through the PLATFORM web portal. In addition to its own satellite constellation, PASCO resells data from other optical and SAR satellites (TerraSAR-X, PléiadesNEO, Pléiades, SPOT, WorldView-3, PLANET DOVE) and offers value-added products (PSI ortho imagery for Japan, PSO mosaic) and ERDAS IMAGINE remote sensing software.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• ALOS-4 Satellite Imagery Data (Advanced Land Observing Satellite 4 / だいち4号) Advanced radar satellite equipped with PALSAR-3 L-band SAR sensor featuring digital beam forming (DBF). Provides all-weather, day-and-night Earth observation with 3m/6m/10m resolution modes, 200km observation swath (4x wider than ALOS-2), and supports crisis management, crustal deformation monitoring, and disaster response missions. Sold as archive data via PLATFORM.
• ALOS-2 Satellite Imagery Data (Advanced Land Observing Satellite 2 / だいち2号) Land observation satellite carrying PALSAR-2 L-band SAR sensor. Provides all-weather, day-and-night observation with 1m/3m/6m/10m resolution options and 25–490km observation swaths. Supports disaster monitoring, forest management, infrastructure surveillance, and global environmental monitoring. Available as both archive data and new observation orders.
• PLATFORM (Satellite Data Utilization Promotion Platform / 衛星データ利用促進プラットフォーム) Web-based satellite data ordering and catalog platform (satpf.jp/spf/) for searching and purchasing ALOS-4 and ALOS-2 archive data. Enables scene selection, processing level configuration, payment (bank transfer or credit card), download management, and free sample requests for first-time ALOS-4 buyers.
• TerraSAR-X Satellite Data X-band SAR satellite offering up to 24cm resolution in Staring SpotLight mode for detailed surface change detection. Sold as part of PASCO's broader satellite imagery portfolio alongside the ALOS series.
• PléiadesNEO Satellite Data High-resolution optical satellite with 30cm resolution, operated by Airbus DS. Two satellites in 180° opposition enable daily global coverage. Supports mono, stereo, and tri-stereo imaging with 14km swath.
• Pléiades Satellite Data 50cm resolution optical satellite by Airbus DS, launched 2011–2012. Offers 20km swath, tri-stereo capability, and is suitable for 1:5000 scale mapping and image interpretation.
• SPOT 6/7 Satellite Data Airbus DS medium-resolution optical satellite with 1.5m panchromatic and 6m multispectral resolution. 60km swath enables daily coverage of up to 6 million km² with two-satellite constellation.
• WorldView-3 Satellite Data Maxar high-resolution optical satellite with 31cm panchromatic resolution, 1.2m multispectral, and 3.7m SWIR bands. Includes 16 spectral bands and atmospheric correction sensor for clear image quality.
• PLANET DOVE Satellite Data Planet Labs constellation of 120+ small satellites providing daily global land coverage. 3.7m resolution at 475km altitude with blue/green/red/NIR multispectral bands. API access available for data listing and download.
• PASCO Satellite Image (PSI) Annual satellite imagery product for Japan nationwide (including islands) at 1.5m resolution using SPOT-6/7 data. Ortho-corrected with position accuracy validation. ¥61,000 per mesh unit (10km x 10km minimum). Available from 2015 onward with annual updates.
• PASCO Satellite Ortho (PSO) Japan-wide ortho-rectified satellite mosaic product at 2.5m resolution, 3-band true color, based on data from the original ALOS satellite (2006–2011). Ready for GIS overlay and integration.
• ERDAS IMAGINE Software Remote sensing software for image information extraction, offered in three tiers: Essentials (visualization and batch processing), Advantage (advanced mapping and radar analysis), and Professional (high-end analysis and geospatial modeling).
• InSAR / Custom Satellite Data Analysis Services Custom interferometric SAR (InSAR) analysis services that detect centimeter-to-millimeter-level ground deformation by comparing phase differences between two SAR observations of the same area. Applied to earthquake crustal deformation, volcanic activity, and land subsidence monitoring. Project-based, quote-driven engagements.

Quantifiable outcome

• ALOS-4 detected crustal deformation of approximately 8cm in the Aomori earthquake (December 2025) within two weeks of the event using InSAR analysis
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability3 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Marble VisionsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 29 October 2025Presented at PASCO's 'Satellite Sessions' seminar (October 2025) discussing space business development. An emerging partner in PASCO's co-creation ecosystem for expanding space utilization.
• SpaceBlastminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 29 October 2025Presented at PASCO's 'Satellite Sessions' seminar discussing space business trends and PASCO's role as a cross-industry enabler. A strategic marketing partner in PASCO's space business ecosystem.
• Infostela (株式会社インフォステラ)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 29 October 2025Presented StellarStation ground station network services at PASCO's 'Satellite Sessions' seminar. A partner in PASCO's co-creation initiative for expanding satellite data infrastructure and accessibility.
• NJS (株式会社NJS)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 October 2025Presented satellite data applications for underground cavity detection supporting road infrastructure maintenance at PASCO's 'Satellite Sessions' seminar. A developing strategic partner for infrastructure monitoring applications.
• Archeda (株式会社Archeda)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 October 2025Presented satellite data applications for carbon credit monitoring at PASCO's 'Satellite Sessions' seminar. An emerging strategic partner exploring ESG and environmental monitoring use cases.
• JAXA (宇宙航空研究開発機構)coreTechnology or IntegrationJAXA is the operator and owner of the ALOS-4 and ALOS-2 satellites. PASCO is licensed by JAXA to sell ALOS-4 and ALOS-2 satellite imagery data globally. JAXA conducts calibration, validation, and mission operations, while PASCO handles commercial distribution, customer service, and value-added product development. This is the foundational partnership without which PASCO's satellite data business would not exist.
• Aero Asahi (朝日航洋株式会社)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAero Asahi is one of eight authorized ALOS data partners in Japan. The company provides aerial surveying and geospatial services, reselling satellite data and integrating it with aerial imagery for downstream customer solutions.
• Asia Air Survey (アジア航測)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAsia Air Survey is one of eight authorized ALOS data partners in Japan, providing remote sensing, surveying, and GIS services. The company resells satellite data and delivers consulting services to government and private sector clients.
• Japan Space Systems (一般財団法人宇宙システム開発利用推進機構)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJapan Space Systems is one of eight authorized ALOS data partners in Japan, contributing to the development and utilization of space systems and promoting satellite data adoption across Japanese industries.
• Japan Map Center (日本地図センター)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJapan Map Center is one of eight authorized ALOS data partners in Japan, providing mapping and geographic information services. The center integrates satellite data into cartographic and GIS products for various applications.
• Weathercock (株式会社ウェザーコック)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWeathercock is one of eight authorized ALOS data partners in Japan. The company specializes in meteorological and environmental monitoring services, reselling satellite data as part of its environmental observation offerings.
• Visiontech (株式会社ビジョンテック)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVisiontech is one of eight authorized ALOS data partners in Japan, providing technology solutions in the geospatial domain. The company resells satellite data and develops downstream applications.
• SIGMA SAR Institute (SIGMA SAR 研究所)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSIGMA SAR Institute is one of eight authorized ALOS data partners in Japan, specializing in SAR data analysis and processing. The institute provides technical consulting for SAR-derived products and value-added services.
• Kokusai Kogyo (国際航業株式会社)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKokusai Kogyo is one of eight authorized ALOS data partners in Japan and one of the largest geospatial service providers in the country. The company integrates ALOS satellite data with its surveying, engineering, and consulting services for infrastructure and government clients.
• ASTERRAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerASTERRA is a global technology company that uses ALOS-2 L-band SAR data to provide AI-driven services including underground water leak detection for water utilities, infrastructure monitoring (roads, railways, dams, embankments), and environmental monitoring. ALOS-2's L-band SAR data penetrates vegetation and ground cover to detect subsurface changes invisible to optical satellites. PASCO supplies satellite data to ASTERRA as a key international customer and strategic partner, with ASTERRA serving 600+ water utilities in 68 countries.
• Guizhou Provincial First Institute of Surveying and Mapping (中国貴州省第一測量院所)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChinese government institute that partnered with Beijing Smart Earth Digital Co., Ltd. to use ALOS-2 data for landslide disaster monitoring in Guizhou Province. The initiative received the 'Grand Prize' from the Chinese Society of Surveying and Mapping for contributing to remote sensing technology advancement.

Scale indicators7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Satellogic: Argentina/US Earth-observation company building a low-earth-orbit constellation for sub-meter optical imagery. Competes for government and commercial monitoring customers at a lower price point, particularly in emerging markets where PASCO also sells ALOS data.
• BlackSky Holdings: US-based satellite-imagery and analytics provider offering rapid-revisit imagery with AI-derived insights. Targets similar enterprise and government monitoring use cases (infrastructure, disaster, environment) and competes for downstream analytics budgets alongside PASCO's InSAR services.
• iQPS Inc. Japanese SAR satellite startup developing a small-satellite X-band SAR constellation. Same geography as PASCO; targets commercial and government Earth-observation customers with higher revisit cadence — emerging alternative to PASCO's licensed ALOS offering.

Broad incumbents

• Planet Labs: US-based operator of the largest commercial Earth-observation constellation, providing daily global imagery. PASCO resells Planet Dove imagery and competes for recurring monitoring workloads (agriculture, environment, infrastructure) at a different price/revisit point.
• Airbus Defence and Space: European prime operating TerraSAR-X (X-band SAR) and Pléiades optical constellations. PASCO resells TerraSAR-X, Pléiades, and PléiadesNEO data while competing for SAR analytics and government Earth-observation contracts globally.
• Maxar Technologies: Largest US commercial satellite-imagery provider with high-resolution optical constellation (WorldView). PASCO resells Maxar's WorldView-3 data while also competing for end-customer Earth-observation budgets across government and infrastructure segments.

Direct peers

• Capella Space: US-based commercial SAR operator offering high-resolution X-band SAR with on-demand tasking. Competes for the same enterprise and government SAR-data budgets in defense, infrastructure, and monitoring — overlapping directly with PASCO's value-added SAR analytics.
• ICEYE: Finnish commercial SAR operator with the largest private SAR satellite constellation. Sells SAR imagery and tasking services globally to government and commercial customers in the same use cases PASCO targets (disaster response, infrastructure, maritime). Competes on revisit time and tasking flexibility.
• Synspective: Tokyo-based SAR satellite operator building a commercial L-band constellation. Closest direct competitor — same geography, same sensor band, same target customers (government, infrastructure, disaster response). Competes for Japanese and Asian SAR-data budgets directly against PASCO's JAXA-licensed offering.
• Umbra Space: US-based commercial SAR satellite operator offering high-resolution SAR imagery with tasking services. Targets similar government and commercial customers for monitoring, intelligence, and infrastructure applications; competes for the same per-scene and subscription SAR spend.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/pasco_sat
• Facebookfacebook.com/Satellite-Business-Division-PASCO-Corporation-100637472526289
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/pasco-satellite-division

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about PASCO Corp. Satellite Business Division