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

Axelspace Corporation (Head Office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Yuya Nakamura; hereinafter "the Company"), which develops and operates small satellites with the aim of creating a society where anyone can use space, today announced that the launch date for its seven next-generation Earth observation satellites, "GRUS-3 (Grus Three)," has been set for July 7, 2026 (Tue) at 4:15 PM (Japan Standard Time).

In June of this year, the Company transported the seven GRUS-3 satellites to the launch site and completed the integration work with the rocket's satellite separation system. The seven satellites will be launched aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA, as part of the rideshare mission Transporter-17, through Exolaunch, a global leader in launch mission management, satellite integration, and deployment services.

GRUS-3 Launch Overview

Date and Time: July 7, 2026 (Tue) at 4:15 PM (Japan Standard Time)

Launch Site: Vandenberg Space Force Base (California, USA)

Launch Provider: SpaceX

Rocket: Falcon 9

Mission: Transporter-17

Launch Integrator: Exolaunch

Seven flight models of the next-generation Earth observation satellite GRUS-3 (left) and mission patch.

GRUS-3 is a small Earth observation satellite equipped with an optical sensor. 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. With seven satellites, it will be possible to observe the same point on Earth once a day (*). It has a ground resolution of 2.2m (ability to distinguish objects on the ground) and can capture images with an observation swath of 28.3km and a maximum observation distance of 1,356km per satellite.

* Possible for locations north of 25 degrees latitude.

Past announcements regarding GRUS-3 can be found below:

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

Note: The development of the satellite common bus system carrying the GRUS-3 mission is supported by the following subsidy project by 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 Ultra-Small Satellite Common Bus) / Ultra-Small Satellite Demonstration Project for Realizing One-Stop Service for Satellite Constellations" (Fiscal Years 2023-2026) *Implemented through a direct execution project by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in Fiscal Years 2021-2022.

About Axelspace

With the vision of "Space within Your Reach ~Making Space a Commonplace~," Axelspace has been engaged in the development of small satellites ahead of the world since its founding in 2008. Based on its proprietary technologies in small satellite design, manufacturing, and in-orbit operation, the Company offers the satellite development and operation business "AxelLiner" to realize customer 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 use space.

Axelspace Corporation

Location: Clip Nihonbashi Bldg., 3-3-3 Nihonbashi-Honcho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Representative Director: Yuya Nakamura

Established: August 2008

https://www.axelspace.com/ja/