Axelspace to Equip Seven Next-Generation Earth Observation Satellites 'GRUS-3' with Nikon Telescopes

Axelspace Corporation, a company that develops and operates small satellites with the goal of making space accessible to everyone, announces that it will equip seven next-generation Earth observation satellites, 'GRUS-3', with telescopes from Nikon Corporation, a leading Japanese optical equipment manufacturer.

The seven GRUS-3 units are scheduled for launch from July 2026 onwards.

GRUS-3 is a small Earth observation satellite equipped with optical sensors. It will contribute to the expansion of the satellite constellation operated by the company for Earth observation data provision, enabling wide-area and high-frequency observation. It features a ground resolution of 2.2m, and is capable of capturing images with an observation width of 28.3km and a maximum observation distance of 1,356km per satellite. Furthermore, the seven satellites enable observation of the same point on Earth once a day.

For Earth observation satellites, the telescope is one of the core instruments that determine observation performance. For GRUS-3, the company has adopted a custom-made telescope that leverages the space telescope development technologies and know-how that Nikon has cultivated to date, based on its core light utilization and precision technologies. By combining this telescope with the company's image sensor unit, it is possible to acquire high-definition images with stable quality while maintaining a structure that fits into a small satellite, as well as improving cost efficiency with future mass production in mind.

The company utilizes a satellite constellation of 100kg-class small Earth observation satellites, 'GRUS', in its Earth observation data service, 'AxelGlobe'. Nikon's telescopes have been adopted for the first GRUS-1 unit launched in December 2018, as well as four additional units launched in March 2021, supporting the company's Earth observation under a continuous partnership.

Comment from Yasuhito Omura, Representative Director and President and CEO of Nikon Corporation
Since our founding, Nikon has been pursuing the possibilities of light and continuing to provide new value. Since the 'Nikon Photomic FTN' with NASA specifications and NIKKOR lenses were carried on Apollo 15 in 1971, a wide range of our products, including cameras, live cell imaging systems, optical systems for satellites, and metal 3D printers, have been utilized in the space sector. It is a great honor that our telescopes have been adopted for Axelspace's small satellites, including the GRUS-3. We hope to continue to contribute to Earth observation by satellites under our partnership with the company.

Comment from Yuya Nakamura, Representative Director of Axelspace Corporation
The injection of seven GRUS-3 units into orbit is an important milestone in evolving the AxelGlobe business, which we launched in 2019, to the next stage. Fusing Nikon's long-cultivated light utilization technology with our small satellite development and operation technology not only supports the improvement of Earth observation performance but also shows the world the reliability of Japanese space technology. By creating new businesses for various industries through GRUS-3 and working with partners to solve social issues, we will make space an infrastructure that enriches our lives.

GRUS-3 Overview
Number of satellites: 7
Names: GRUS-3A/3B/3C/3D/3E/3F/3G
Mass: Approx. 150kg
Dimensions: 96cm wide x 78cm long x 126cm high
Ground resolution: 2.2m
Observation width: 28.3km
Maximum observation distance: 1,356km
Observation wavelengths: Panchromatic, Coastal Blue, Blue, Green, Red, Red Edge, Near-Infrared
Operational altitude: 585km
Operational orbit: Sun-synchronous orbit

Note: The development of the satellite universal bus system carrying the GRUS-3 mission is supported by the following subsidy project of the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO):
'Research and Development Project for Space Industry Technology Infrastructure (Development and Demonstration Support for Universal Buses for Small Satellites) / Demonstration Project for Small Satellites to Realize One-Stop Services for Satellite Constellations' (FY2023-2026) *Implemented as a direct project by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in FY2021-2022.