Space Data Releases 'IAMD SIMULATOR' to Visualize Integrated Air and Missile Defense Capabilities

Space Data Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Koyo Sato; hereinafter 'Space Data') has released the 'IAMD SIMULATOR (Integrated Air Defense Simulator),' a new visualization simulator for the defense and security domain 'AMATERASU' within its space AI platform 'SpaceBrain.' This simulator allows users to experience the full scope of Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD: Integrated Air and Missile Defense) directly through a web browser. Comprising two views — the '3D Operational Image Diagram,' which enables anyone to grasp the overall structure in three dimensions, and the '2D Operational Map,' which provides a perspective similar to an actual command center's air operations chart — the simulator allows even those without specialized knowledge to intuitively understand the framework of air defense operations.

The 3D Operational Image Diagram combines a 3D mapping engine with a 3D rendering library, overlaying Geospatial Information Authority of Japan satellite imagery tiles, real 3D building data, and publicly available boundary data for Air Defense Identification Zones (ADIZ) and Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) to faithfully recreate real-world space. On this foundation, it visualizes the spatial relationships between threats and air defense systems. The 2D Operational Map uses a monochrome display powered by a mapping engine, offering a viewpoint closely resembling that of an actual command center's operational chart. While real data is used for maps, terrain, buildings, and boundaries, all threat representations, force deployments, intercepts, and panel values within the simulator are synthetic data generated solely for demonstration purposes.

Background: Diversifying Missile Threats and the Lack of Intuitive Understanding of 'Integrated Air Defense'

In recent years, in addition to traditional ballistic missiles, new threats have emerged with vastly different speeds, altitudes, and trajectories — such as hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs) flying at low altitudes on irregular paths and cruise missiles traveling near sea level. In response, countries including Japan are building and operating 'Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD)' systems. These systems centrally integrate sensor data from satellites, various radars, and land, sea, and air forces via command and control systems, enabling unified operations from target detection and tracking to weapon assignment (deciding which interceptors to deploy), and ultimately aircraft interception and missile interception.

IAMD is a three-dimensional framework encompassing space, air, land, and sea. It is difficult for non-specialists to fully grasp, through text or flat diagrams alone, which altitude and range each air defense system covers and how detection links to interception. Space Data aims to provide a shared understanding by presenting this structure as a dynamic 3D environment.

Space Data's Simulator Development and the Positioning of This Product

Leveraging digital twin technology to recreate Earth's environment in digital space, Space Data has previously released disaster simulation tools targeting heavy snowfall, volcanic eruptions, and droughts, as well as the 'AIR OPERATION SIMULATOR' for visualizing aerial tactics. This new product extends that spatial reconstruction technology into the air defense domain, enabling users to examine complex, time-critical scenarios — like natural disasters — in a visible format before they occur.

The simulator is designed for use by companies exploring entry into or expansion within the defense and security sector, educational and research institutions studying national security, and media organizations. It is intended for use in seminars, internal training sessions, and explanatory articles, where complex IAMD concepts can be illustrated and learned using visual demonstrations.

Key Features

※ All threats, force deployments, intercepts, and panel values appearing in this simulator are synthetic data created for demonstration purposes only and do not reflect actual tracking or operational data. Equipment, coordinates, and scenarios are fictional and do not represent specific operational plans or real-world situation analyses.

1. 3D Operational Image Diagram Built on a Faithfully Reproduced Real-World Environment

The 3D globe overlays satellite imagery tiles, terrain, and real 3D building data from the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan, presenting a fictional scenario set in the East China Sea and Southwest Islands region. Users can observe in real-time animation the sequence of ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missile threats approaching, being detected and tracked by ship-based and land-based layered air defense systems, followed by weapon assignment and interception. Units and equipment are displayed using NATO-standard symbols, with tactical data links (communications for information sharing between assets) from early-warning satellites and radars to command systems, and the success or failure of interceptions, all depicted chronologically. Users can gain a three-dimensional understanding of the spatial coverage (radius and altitude bands) and positional relationships of each air defense system.

2. 2D Operational Map Replicating the Command Center Perspective

To facilitate tactical and operational decision-making, the 2D Operational Map uses a black-and-white (monochrome) display to show large numbers of friendly and enemy forces using unit symbols. Users can switch between three viewpoints: overhead, oblique, and ground-level. In oblique and ground-level views, missile altitude and trajectory are rendered in three dimensions. Combined with panels showing force ratios, incoming track status, interception outcomes, damage assessments, and remaining interceptor counts, users can seamlessly transition within a single screen from unit-level combat (tactical level) to overall theater operations (operational level).

3. Interactive Training Functionality for Learning Through Operation

In the 3D Operational Image Diagram, users can not only view but also manually launch threat missiles, toggle defense asset functions on/off, adjust simulation speed (1–30x), and approve interception plans. In the 2D Operational Map, users can manually or automatically trigger enemy launches and regenerate force deployments. By changing the configuration of air defense systems and immediately seeing how interception success rates change, participants in training or briefing sessions can actively operate the simulator to experience and internalize the principles of IAMD.

4. Lightweight Implementation Running Entirely in a Web Browser

No dedicated software installation is required; the simulator runs entirely within standard web browsers. It can be displayed directly on meeting room projectors or personal laptops, allowing effortless integration into seminars, study groups, and exhibitions without preparation overhead.

Making National Security Understandable to Everyone, Not Just Experts

Discussions on defense and national security often remain confined to technical jargon and flat documents. Space Data believes that animating events on a precisely recreated digital twin of Earth is one of the most reliable ways to build common understanding between experts and non-experts. This product aims to transform the three-dimensional mental model of IAMD — previously accessible only to a select few experts — into a shared visual experience accessible to all.

Future Outlook

Going forward, Space Data plans to expand the range of supported scenarios and advance functionality toward simulating cross-domain operations spanning land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace, as well as integrating with real observational data. The company will continue developing simulation platforms for resilience (crisis recovery and robustness) across domains from disaster prevention to national security.

For those interested in the 'IAMD SIMULATOR,' detailed explanations and demonstration opportunities are available. Please feel free to contact us via the inquiry form below.

About Space Data Inc.

Space Data Inc. operates under the vision of 'a society where space is accessible to everyone,' integrating space and digital