Axelspace to Equip Seven GRUS-3 Earth Observation Microsatellites with Nikon Telescopes

Achieving both high performance and improved cost efficiency to enable wide-area, high-frequency observation

Axelspace Corporation (“Axelspace”), which designs, manufactures and operates microsatellites, and conducts business to promote a society where space is accessible to people around the world, announced today that it will equip seven next-generation Earth observation microsatellites, GRUS-3, with telescopes manufactured by Nikon Corporation (“Nikon”), a leading Japanese optical instruments manufacturer.

The seven GRUS-3 microsatellites are scheduled to be launched no earlier than July 2026（*1）。
*1 Axelspace Announces Launch of Seven GRUS-3 Earth Observation Microsatellites, No Earlier Than July 2026

GRUS-3 is an Earth observation microsatellite equipped with an optical sensor. The seven microsatellites will contribute to the expansion of Axelspace’s satellite constellation for providing Earth observation data, enabling wide-area and high-frequency observation. Each microsatellite offers a spatial resolution (ground sampling distance) of 2.2 meters, with an effective swath of 28.3 km and a maximum capture length of 1,356 km. With seven satellites in operation, it will be possible to observe the same point on Earth once per day*2.
*2 Available for locations at latitudes of 25 degrees north or higher.

For Earth observation microsatellites, the telescope is one of the core components that determines observation performance. GRUS-3 adopts a custom telescope developed by Nikon, leveraging its core Applied Optical and Precision Technologies as well as its extensive experience and expertise in space telescope development. By combining this telescope with Axelspace’s image sensor unit, it enables the acquisition of high-resolution images with consistently high image quality within the constraints of a microsatellite platform, while also improving cost efficiency with future mass production in mind.

Axelspace operates a satellite constellation of approximately 100 kg-class Earth observation microsatellites, GRUS, for its AxelGlobe Earth observation business. Nikon’s telescopes have been used in the first GRUS-1 satellite launched in December 2018, as well as in four additional satellites launched in March 2021, supporting Axelspace’s Earth observation capabilities through an ongoing partnership.

Comment from Yasuhiro Ohmura, Representative Director and President, CEO, Nikon Corporation:
From its founding, Nikon has sought the limitless potential of light, continuously providing new value.
And since NASA selected SLR camera “Nikon Photomic FTN” and NIKKOR lenses that were specially customized for space-use and mounted on Apollo 15 in 1971, a wide range of our products – including cameras, live cell observation systems, optical systems for satellites, and metal 3D printers – have been used in space applications.
We are honored that Axelspace has named Nikon as the partner of telescopes for its satellites, including GRUS-3 series, and we look forward to reinforcing our partnership with Axelspace, which will contribute to Earth observation from space and our further success in the space industry.

Comment from Yuya Nakamura, President and CEO of Axelspace Corporation:
The orbital deployment of the seven GRUS-3 satellites represents a significant milestone in advancing our AxelGlobe business, which we launched in 2019, to its next stage. We believe that combining Nikon’s optical technologies, cultivated over decades, with Axelspace’s expertise in the development and operation of microsatellites will not only enhance Earth observation performance but also demonstrate the reliability of space technologies originating from Japan to the global market.
Through GRUS-3, we aim to create new business opportunities across various industries and to address social challenges by working together with our partners, ultimately making space an infrastructure that enriches our daily lives.

About GRUS-3
Number of satellites: 7
Name: GRUS-3A/3B/3C/3D/3E/3F/3G
Satellite wet mass: Approximately 150kg
Satellite envelope: 96cm x 78cm x 126cm
Spatial resolution: 2.2m
Effective swath: 28.3km
Maximum capture length: 1,356km
Band: Panchromatic, Coastal Blue, Blue, Green, Red, Red edge, Near infrared
Orbit altitude: 585km
Orbit type: Sun-synchronous

Note: The development of a versatile satellite bus system for GRUS-3 is based on results obtained through the following projects subsidized by NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization):
“Development and Demonstration of General-Purpose CubeSat and Microsatellite Buses” (FY2023-2026) *This project was supported by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (FY2021-2022)

For further information on GRUS-3, visit:
Axelspace to Launch Seven Next-Generation Earth Observation Microsatellites “GRUS-3” in 2026 – Enhancing Frequent Wide-Area Observation

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/