GRUS-3α Satellite on Track for Launch this Summer
First of Seven Microsatellites to be Launched by Axelspace in 2026
Axelspace plans to launch a microsatellite, “GRUS-3α”, no earlier than June 2025 to verify the performance of the versatile satellite platform, a standardized platform for satellite function and structure across diverse missions, and the telescope used in GRUS-3. In 2026, the "GRUS-3" constellation will expand the number of microsatellites placed in orbit by the company to more than ten spacecraft, enabling observation of broader areas with increased frequency.
"With the launch of seven GRUS-3 microsatellites, we will be able to observe a wider area more frequently than ever before."
Yuya Nakamura, Axelspace
Axelspace aims to meet growing demand across a wide range of fields, including environmental protection, financial product development, and real estate management, in addition to precision agriculture, forest monitoring, and map creation, to promote use of Earth observation data.
GRUS-3 will build upon Axelspace’s existing constellation of five microsatellites, “GRUS-1,” which provides services to government agencies and private companies in more than 30 countries worldwide.
The seven GRUS-3 microsatellites will capture images of the Earth’s surface at the same location and nearly the same time every day for locations north of 25 degrees latitude, under stable sunlight conditions year-round from a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 585 km (363 miles). Each satellite has an effective swath of 28.3 km (17.6 miles) and a maximum capture length of 1,356 km (842 miles). With a combined daily capture capacity of 2.3 million km² (888,000 miles²) across seven satellites, and our unique tasking capabilities that enables targeted area imaging, Axelspace supports timely information gathering and decision-making.
GRUS-3 satellites feature a spatial resolution (GSD) of 2.2 meters. In addition to capturing visible light, these are equipped with sensors capable of monitoring plant growth conditions, coastal seaweed beds and landscape.
"With the launch of seven GRUS-3 microsatellites, we will be able to observe a wider area more frequently than ever before," said Yuya Nakamura, president and CEO of Axelspace Corporation. "By adopting new observation equipment, the image quality will be improved compared to GRUS-1. We will provide enhanced services to our existing customers and continue developing solutions to meet emerging needs, further expanding the use of space.”
GRUS-3a is manifested on the SpaceX Transporter 14 mission that will launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.