AxelLiner Laboratory Moves Toward Expanded Use Overseas

〜 Exploring an In-Orbit Demonstration of a Green Propulsion System Developed by India-based Manastu Space Technologies 〜

Axelspace Corporation (“Axelspace”), a leading developer and operator of microsatellites, announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Indian space startup Manastu Space Technologies Private Limited (“Manastu Space”) to explore an in-orbit demonstration, using AxelLiner Laboratory (“AL Lab”), of a green propulsion system developed by Manastu Space.

Manastu Space is an India-based space startup developing green propulsion systems for satellites and upper stages of launch vehicles. Its green propulsion systems use “MS-289,” a proprietary hydrogen peroxide-alcohol based novel propellant developed to combine cost efficiency, enhanced performance and high reliability. With specialized additives, “MS-289” is designed to deliver high levels of efficiency, safety and mission stability, while enabling safer ground operations and easier handling for personnel, supporting more sustainable and agile satellite propulsion in space.

Under the MOU, the two companies will jointly assess the technical requirements and other details necessary to integrate Manastu Space’s green propulsion system into an Axelspace spacecraft while exploring the possibility of an in-orbit demonstration using AL Lab.

AxelLiner Laboratory: Enabling Timely In-Orbit Demonstrations

To bring space components and mission equipment into practical and commercial use, it is important to verify their functionality, performance, and reliability in the actual space environment and to establish operational track records in orbit, commonly referred to as ‘flight heritage.’ At the same time, opportunities for in-orbit demonstrations remain limited, and in some cases a significant amount of time is required between the decision to conduct a demonstration and launch. Securing demonstration opportunities that align with the pace of product development therefore remains a challenge.
To address this challenge, Axelspace began full-scale operations of AL Lab in 2024. AL Lab specializes in the in-orbit demonstration of space components and mission equipment and aims to provide more cost-effective and timely demonstration opportunities.

In Japan, Axelspace already plans to conduct the first in-orbit demonstration mission to apply the AL Lab service, using a reaction wheel jointly developed with ASPINA Shinano Kenshi Co., Ltd. and installed on one of its GRUS-3 microsatellites. Axelspace also signed an in-orbit demonstration service agreement with JAXA in June 2026, reflecting the expanding use of AL Lab.
Going forward, in pursuit of its vision, “Space within Your Reach,” Axelspace will support in-orbit demonstrations of a wide range of technologies developed by companies and research institutions in Japan and overseas, contributing through AL Lab to their practical application and to the further expansion of space utilization.

For more information about AxelLiner Laboratory, please visit the links below.
AxelLiner Laboratory to Conduct Its First In-Orbit Demonstration Mission
The Next Growth Strategy Envisioned by “AxelLiner Laboratory,” Supporting New Entrants to the Space Industry
Axelspace Announces New Service “AxelLiner Laboratory (AL Lab)” to Meet the Rapidly Growing Need for In-orbit Demonstration of Space Components

Tushar Jadhav, Co-Founder & CEO of Manastu Space Technologies Private Limited, commented:
“At Manastu Space, a safe path to flight is everything. Our green propulsion technology is built to make satellites maneuver sustainably – agile, reliable and free of toxic chemistry. And the most efficient, credible route to orbit is exactly the kind of partnership AL Lab represents.
The world order is changing, and the India-Japan growth story will be the biggest catalyst for the future of the global space ecosystem. We are excited and grateful to be building this relationship ahead alongside them. Partnerships like this one are why that belief runs both ways and strong. We look forward to propelling toward the next steps together.”

Daigo Orihara, Director of Axelspace Corporation, commented:
“We are pleased that Manastu Space is considering AL Lab as an option for the in-orbit demonstration of its green propulsion technology as it works to advance the technology further. With opportunities for in-orbit demonstration still limited, we believe it is important to understand each customer’s technology and future business plans and to provide value that is unique to AL Lab. Through these discussions, we hope to support Manastu Space in taking its next steps while continuing to develop AL Lab into a service chosen by companies and research institutions around the world.”

About Axelspace
Guided by its vision—“Space within Your Reach”—Axelspace has been at the forefront of microsatellite innovation since its founding in 2008. Leveraging cutting-edge expertise in microsatellite design, manufacturing, and in-orbit operations, the company is redefining how people and industries access space. Its flagship businesses, AxelLiner, which provides satellite development and operation services to help customers realize their space missions, and AxelGlobe, which delivers Earth observation data through Axelspace’s proprietary optical satellite constellation, are driving a new era of space utilization. Through these business activities, Axelspace aims to realize a society where space solutions are accessible to everyone.

About AxelLiner Laboratory
AxelLiner Laboratory is an IOD service that uses Axelspace’s microsatellites and is offered as part of AxelLiner, the company’s satellite development and operation business. It provides opportunities to verify the performance of components essential to basic satellite functions, as well as mission payloads tailored to specific applications and objectives, in the space environment. The service helps establish flight heritage—a proven track record of operation in orbit—for space equipment exposed to harsh conditions, including vibrations during rocket launch, temperature fluctuations exceeding 100°C, radiation, and vacuum.

Axelspace Corporation
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
President and CEO: Yuya Nakamura
Founded: August 2008
https://www.axelspace.com/