AI-Powered Space Sensor Detects Ships in Orbit

Using its onboard AI-based object detector “AIRIS,” which makes use of a next-generation space-grade MPU, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has successfully completed an in-orbit demonstration.

AIRIS, which consists of an AI-equipped data processor and an earth observation camera developed by the Tokyo University of Science, identified ships in maritime photography.

Notably, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and MHI collaborated to build the next-generation space-grade MPU “SOISOC4,” which AIRIS uses to operate AI on board the satellite in order to identify things from satellite photos.

MHI Advances AIRIS's In-Orbit AI Demonstration

On December 14, 2025, AIRIS came out aboard the tiny demonstration satellite “RAISE-4” as part of JAXA's “Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Programme.”

Since then, it has been developing its technological demonstration in orbit.

In the future, MHI intends to create a continuous cycle to enhance AI performance by updating the AI onboard AIRIS in orbit and retraining the AI on the ground using photos of ships acquired during operations.

Moreover, the in-orbit demonstration of AIRIS aboard “Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-4” comprises an in-orbit demonstration of the SOISOC4 MPU in addition to the AI operating demonstration.

MHI will continue to pursue technological innovation in the production of state-of-the-art space equipment and enhance Japan's space development and utilisation through the creation of these gadgets.

AIRIS Promotes Japan's AI-Powered Space Tech

The system's name and function are made clear by the definition of AIRIS, which stands for Artificial Intelligence Retraining In Space. The fact that the system's ship-detection results are derived from maritime imagery taken during active in-orbit operations stresses that actual operational data, not preloaded test images, were used for the detection.

AIRIS frames as part of a strategic push to improve domestic space-equipment development, placing the project within Japan's larger national effort to strengthen its space technology capabilities.

Further, it emphasises MHI's strategy to establish a cycle of continuous improvement, whereby the satellite's onboard AI is updated over time to increase performance after AI models are retrained on the ground using pictures gathered during operations.

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