Axelspace Successfully Launches and Receives Signals from Seven Next-Generation Earth Observation Satellites "GRUS-3"

Axelspace Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: 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 the successful launch of its next-generation Earth observation satellites "GRUS-3" and the successful reception of radio signals from the satellites after they were placed into orbit.

GRUS-3 loaded and successfully launched on Falcon 9 ©SpaceX

The seven GRUS-3 satellites were launched on July 7, 2026 (Tue) at 4:12 PM (Japan Standard Time) aboard the Transporter-17 rideshare mission, through launch integrator Exolaunch GmbH, by SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA. The satellites were successfully deployed into their planned orbits, and the Company successfully received the first radio signals (first voice) from all seven satellites in orbit to the ground. The satellites are currently in normal condition.

The Company will proceed with critical operations to confirm the health of the satellites in orbit, in preparation for providing services using Earth observation data acquired by GRUS-3.

GRUS-3 loaded into the fairing of Falcon 9 (top of photo) ©SpaceX

Axelspace members watching the launch of GRUS-3

Past announcements regarding GRUS-3 can be found below:

Launch Date Set for Seven Next-Generation Earth Observation Satellites "GRUS-3"

Next-Generation Earth Observation Satellites "GRUS-3" to be Launched from July 2026

Nikon Telescopes to be Equipped on Seven Next-Generation Earth Observation Satellites "GRUS-3"

Note: The development of the satellite common bus system carrying the GRUS-3 mission is supported by the following subsidy project from the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (NEDO).

"Research and Development Project for the Establishment of Space Industry Technology Infrastructure (Support for Development and Demonstration of Super Small Satellite Common Bus) / Super Small Satellite Demonstration Project for Realizing One-Stop Service for Satellite Constellations" (Fiscal Years 2023-2026) *Implemented under a direct execution project by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry during Fiscal Years 2021-2022.

About Axelspace

With the vision "Space within Your Reach ~Making Space a Common Place~," 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 in-orbit operation of small satellites, the Company offers the satellite development and operation business "AxelLiner" to realize customers' space missions, and the Earth observation data provision business "AxelGlobe" 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/