“PYXIS” Demonstration Satellite Launched by Axelspace
“PYXIS” Demonstration Satellite Launched by Axelspace
Equipped With a Deorbit Device Called D-SAIL
Axelspace Corporation reports the successful launch and orbital insertion of the demonstration satellite “PYXIS”. The spacecraft was launched on March 4, aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-10 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base.
Axelspace has received the first radio signal from PYXIS. It will now proceed through the initial operational phase to verify the performance of each onboard component and the regular operational phase to execute the missions in orbit.
PYXIS Mission Objectives
Demonstration of the versatile satellite bus system for AxelLiner
Demonstration of the sensors for the next-generation AxelGlobe satellites (GRUS)
Demonstration of a satellite radio experiment system by SONY Group
PYXIS is equipped with a deorbit device called D-SAIL, the Deployable Deorbit Mechanism for microsatellites. Developed as a countermeasure to the growing problem of space debris, this mechanism facilitates the rapid descent of satellites into the atmosphere upon mission completion, leveraging thin atmospheric resistance in orbit. It is planned to become the standard equipment on future satellites developed by Axelspace.
PYXIS is the first demonstration satellite of AxelLiner, the one-stop microsatellite service.
Traditional satellite development, often adopting a ‘full-customization’ approach, entails prolonged lead times, substantial costs, and demands a high level of expertise. This complexity poses challenges in formulating business plans for satellite projects, affecting a broad spectrum of users, including those from the private sector. To address the escalating demand for microsatellites and enhance their usability, AxelLiner is leading the way with two major innovations: a packaged service for microsatellite projects and the mass production of them.
Applying the knowledge and learnings acquired from the PYXIS demonstration, Axelspace continues to deliver user-friendly solutions to diverse needs by further accelerating its technological development for AxelLiner and expanding its GRUS constellation for AxelGlobe.
This unwavering commitment aims to bring the vision of “Space within Your Reach.”