Successful Launch of Axelspace’s D-SAIL Equipped Demonstration Satellite RAISE-4 under JAXA’s Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-4

D-SAIL, for realizing space sustainability, will be operated in orbit for the first time starting in late 2026

Axelspace Corporation (“Axelspace”), a leading developer and operator of microsatellites dedicated to realizing its vision of “Space within Your Reach,” is pleased to announce that the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)’s RApid Innovative payload demonstration SatellitE-4 (RAISE-4), carrying Axelspace’s deployable deorbit mechanism “D-SAIL,” as part of JAXA program named “Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-4,” was launched on December 14, 2025 (JST) aboard Rocket Lab’s Electron.

D-SAIL demonstration on RAISE-4 is scheduled to begin in late 2026, about a year after launch. This will mark the first time that D-SAIL is operated in orbit.

D-SAIL is a deorbiting device designed to shorten the time a satellite remains in orbit after the termination of its operation. Its membrane of approximately 2m² and a few tens of micrometres in thickness is deployed to increase atmospheric drag, gradually reducing the satellite altitude, in order to encourage satellite’s entry into the atmosphere.

Axelspace has established the “Green Spacecraft Standard,” a guideline for satellite development and operation that promotes Earth and space sustainability. This adopts comprehensive initiatives throughout the satellite lifecycle, and as part of this, Axelspace has jointly developed D-SAIL with SAKASE•ADTECH CO., LTD. Axelspace equips its versatile satellite bus system with D-SAIL as a standard feature.

There is a growing global demand to mitigate the accumulation of space debris, exemplified by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopting rules requiring satellite operators in low-Earth orbit to dispose of satellites within 5 years of completing their missions. Since the Green Spacecraft Standard not only complies with existing rules but also takes into consideration areas that have not yet been regulated—such as manufacturing on the ground and operation in orbit—Axelspace aims to promote sustainability within the space industry through these advanced efforts.

For further information on Axelspace’s sustainability, visit
https://www.axelspacehd.com/sustainability/

JAXA announcement “Launch Result of the Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-4(RApid Innovative payload demonstration SatellitE-4)” December 14, 2025 (Japanese Only):　https://www.jaxa.jp/press/2025/12/20251214-1_j.html

The initial announcement regarding Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-4 can be found here:
Launch Target Period Set for Axelspace’s D-SAIL Equipped Demonstration Satellite under JAXA’s Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-4
Axelspace’s D-SAIL selected for JAXA’s Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration-4

Axelspace’s development and demonstration of D-SAIL is based on outcomes of the following project subsidized by the NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization).
– Program to Support Ventures for Developing Space Components (FY2020-2021)

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 on-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 initiatives, Axelspace is shaping a future where space is accessible and within reach for everyone.

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