Axelspace to Launch Next-Generation Earth Observation Satellites 'GRUS-3' from July 2026
Axelspace Corp. has announced plans to launch seven next-generation earth observation satellites, 'GRUS-3', from July 2026. Capable of observing the same location once a day from an altitude of 585km, the GRUS-3 satellites feature a new 'coastal blue' spectral band. Together with the existing GRUS-1 fleet, this will expand the company's constellation to over 10 satellites, enabling broader support for precision agriculture, environmental monitoring, and security applications.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 20, 2026 at 02:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 19, 2026 at 17:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 20, 2026 at 07:12 (13h 40m after Collected)
## Overview
Axelspace Corp. (CEO: Yuya Nakamura), a company developing and operating small satellites, announces the planned launch of seven next-generation earth observation satellites, 'GRUS-3', from July 2026.
The satellites will be launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, USA, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Transporter-17 rideshare mission, managed by mission integrator Exolaunch.
## Enhanced Observation Capabilities
Axelspace currently operates five 'GRUS-1' satellites for its 'AxelGlobe' earth observation platform. The launch of the successor, GRUS-3, will strengthen the company's satellite constellation to more than 10 units.
From an altitude of 585km, GRUS-3 can observe the same point on Earth once daily (for locations above 25 degrees North latitude). It features a ground resolution of 2.2m, an observation width of 28.3km per satellite, and a maximum observation distance of 1,356km. Combined, the seven satellites have the capacity to image up to 2.3 million km² per day.
## Expanded Utilization Areas
New to the optical sensor is the 'coastal blue' spectral band, which captures underwater information, enabling the observation of coastal topography and seaweed beds. Combined with tasking capabilities powered by advanced attitude control technology, Axelspace aims to meet a wide range of needs in precision agriculture, forestry monitoring, cartography, environmental protection, and national security.
## Background
Development of the GRUS-3 generic satellite bus system is supported by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).
Axelspace Corp. (CEO: Yuya Nakamura), a company developing and operating small satellites, announces the planned launch of seven next-generation earth observation satellites, 'GRUS-3', from July 2026.
The satellites will be launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, USA, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of the Transporter-17 rideshare mission, managed by mission integrator Exolaunch.
## Enhanced Observation Capabilities
Axelspace currently operates five 'GRUS-1' satellites for its 'AxelGlobe' earth observation platform. The launch of the successor, GRUS-3, will strengthen the company's satellite constellation to more than 10 units.
From an altitude of 585km, GRUS-3 can observe the same point on Earth once daily (for locations above 25 degrees North latitude). It features a ground resolution of 2.2m, an observation width of 28.3km per satellite, and a maximum observation distance of 1,356km. Combined, the seven satellites have the capacity to image up to 2.3 million km² per day.
## Expanded Utilization Areas
New to the optical sensor is the 'coastal blue' spectral band, which captures underwater information, enabling the observation of coastal topography and seaweed beds. Combined with tasking capabilities powered by advanced attitude control technology, Axelspace aims to meet a wide range of needs in precision agriculture, forestry monitoring, cartography, environmental protection, and national security.
## Background
Development of the GRUS-3 generic satellite bus system is supported by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).
FAQ
What is the purpose of Axelspace's satellite launch?
To improve the observation frequency and performance of the earth observation data business 'AxelGlobe' and meet diverse needs in fields like agriculture and security.
What new features does GRUS-3 have?
It includes a new 'coastal blue' spectral band for observing coastal topography and seaweed beds.
What is the performance of GRUS-3?
It features a ground resolution of 2.2m and enables high-frequency observation once a day.