Axelspace to Launch Next-Generation Earth Observation Satellites 'GRUS-3' from July 2026

Overview Axelspace Corp. (CEO: Yuya Nakamura), a company developing and operating small satellites, announces the planned launch of seven next-generation earth observation satellites, 'GRUS-3', from July 2026.

The satellites will be launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, USA, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Transporter-17 rideshare mission, managed by mission integrator Exolaunch.

Enhanced Observation Capabilities Axelspace currently operates five 'GRUS-1' satellites for its 'AxelGlobe' earth observation platform. The launch of the successor, GRUS-3, will strengthen the company's satellite constellation to more than 10 units.

From an altitude of 585km, GRUS-3 can observe the same point on Earth once daily (for locations above 25 degrees North latitude). It features a ground resolution of 2.2m, an observation width of 28.3km per satellite, and a maximum observation distance of 1,356km. Combined, the seven satellites have the capacity to image up to 2.3 million km² per day.

Expanded Utilization Areas New to the optical sensor is the 'coastal blue' spectral band, which captures underwater information, enabling the observation of coastal topography and seaweed beds. Combined with tasking capabilities powered by advanced attitude control technology, Axelspace aims to meet a wide range of needs in precision agriculture, forestry monitoring, cartography, environmental protection, and national security.

Background Development of the GRUS-3 generic satellite bus system is supported by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).