Axelspace Signs Contract with JAXA for On-Orbit Demonstration Service Provision

Axelspace Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Yuya Nakamura; hereinafter referred to as "the Company"), which develops and operates small satellites with the aim of creating a society where anyone can utilize space, is pleased to announce that it has signed a contract with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (hereinafter referred to as "JAXA") for the provision of its on-orbit demonstration service "AxelLiner Laboratory" (hereinafter referred to as "AL Lab").

An illustration of the service provided by AxelLiner Laboratory. The onboard space within the satellite can be divided and allocated to customer demonstration equipment.

On-orbit demonstration involves launching components critical to the satellite's survival, as well as mission equipment loaded according to the satellite's purpose and objectives, into space to verify their performance in orbit. The space environment exposes components and equipment to harsh conditions, including launch vibrations, extreme temperature fluctuations, radiation, and vacuum. Therefore, space-grade components and equipment require a proven track record of operation in orbit (flight heritage). While the demand for on-orbit demonstrations is increasing, opportunities are limited. In many cases, it takes several years from the completion of components and equipment to their launch, posing a challenge for timely demonstrations.

Amidst this situation, the development of a domestic satellite supply chain has become a key theme in government-led initiatives in Japan, such as the Space Strategy Fund. Expectations are growing for an environment that allows for rapid on-orbit demonstration of satellite components.

To address these challenges, the Company is providing "AL Lab," a service specifically for the on-orbit demonstration of space equipment, leveraging the short development and mass-producible characteristics of the AxelLiner business.

Under this contract, JAXA will utilize the "AL Lab" service for approximately four years, starting in fiscal year 2026 until the end of the demonstration period, for its fundamental research on high-mobility electric propulsion for spacecraft. The Company will continue to support the diverse space missions of domestic and international customers by providing a wide range of space utilization services, including satellite bus systems.

Past announcements regarding "AxelLiner Laboratory" can be found below:

Announcement of Contract for On-Orbit Demonstration Service Provision with Pale Blue Inc. (December 17, 2025)

Announcement of New AxelLiner Business Service "AxelLiner Laboratory (AL Lab)" ~Responding to the Rapidly Growing Need for On-Orbit Demonstration of Space Components~ (July 17, 2024)

About Axelspace

With the vision of "Space within Your Reach ~Making Space a Commonplace~," Axelspace has been a pioneer in the development of small satellites since its founding in 2008. Based on its proprietary technologies in the design, manufacturing, and on-orbit operation of small satellites, the Company operates the "AxelLiner" satellite development and operation business to realize customer space missions, and the "AxelGlobe" Earth observation data provision business using its own optical satellite constellation, providing solutions that meet the needs of various industries. Through these business activities, Axelspace aims to realize a society where anyone can utilize space.

Axelspace Ltd.

Location: Clip Nihonbashi Bldg., 3-3-3 Nihonbashi Honcho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Representative Director: Yuya Nakamura

Established: August 2008

https://www.axelspace.com/ja/