Axelspace Secures Japan Ministry of Defense Satellite Constellation Project

As an optical imagery provider, Axelspace has entered into a contract for the acquisition of image data

Axelspace Corporation (“Axelspace”), a leading developer and operator of microsatellites dedicated to realizing its vision of “Space within Your Reach,” announced that, for the purpose of carrying out the Ministry of Defense’s satellite constellation project, it has entered into a contract with Tri-Sat Constellation Co., Ltd. and Mitsui Bussan Aerospace Co., Ltd. for acquisition of optical imagery data. Tri-Sat Constellation Co., Ltd. is a special purpose company (SPC) established by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation, and Mitsui & Co., Ltd.

The Ministry of Defense’s satellite constellation project was awarded to a consortium comprising Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation, Mitsui & Co., Ltd., Synspective Inc., Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc., Mitsui Bussan Aerospace Co., Ltd., and Axelspace. Tri-Sat Constellation Co., Ltd. signed the project with the Ministry of Defense for the project on February 19. Axelspace, as the sole provider of optical imagery among the partner companies, will contribute by satellite imagery acquisition to the project.

This project is a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) project aimed at building a satellite constellation operated by private-sector companies to ensure stable acquisition of imagery intelligence necessary for ensuring the effectiveness of stand-off defense capabilities*.

* Stand-off defense capabilities are the ability to effectively counter external attacks from a distant position outside the threat range.

“Under the recently concluded contract, Axelspace will participate as the sole optical imagery provider,” said Yuya Nakamura, President and CEO of Axelspace Corporation. “Based on the satellite development and operation technologies we have built to date, as well as our track record of stable image data provision, we aim to accurately address the needs of the national security field. At the same time, we will continue to actively expand the utilization of satellite data in the private sector and emerging markets, which are expected to see significant growth in the future.”

【The Project overview】
Project　　　　　　　Satellite Constellation Project
Client　　　　　　　 Ministry of Defense (Japan)
Project Operator　　Tri-Sat Constellation Co., Ltd.
　　　　　　　　　　　Consortium members: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation, Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
Partner Companies　 ・ Synspective Inc.
　　　　　　　　　 　・ Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc.
　　　　　　　　　　 ・ Axelspace Corporation
　　　　　　　　　　 ・ Mitsui Bussan Aerospace Co., Ltd.
Project Scope　　　 ・ Acquisition of image data from satellite constellation
　　　　　　　　　　 ・ Operation of dedicated ground facilities
　　　　　　　　　　 ・ General management and related tasks
Contract Amount　　 283,117 million yen (including tax)
Project Duration　　From February 19, 2026 until March 31, 2031

【Axelspace’s contract overview】
Contract　　　　　　 Acquisition of image data from satellite constellation
Contracting Party　 Tri-Sat Constellation Co., Ltd.
　　　　　　　　　　 Axelspace Corporation
　　　　　　　　　　 Mitsui Bussan Aerospace Co., Ltd.
Scope of Work　　　 Acquisition of image data and related works
Contract Amount　　48,069 million yen (including tax)
Project Duration　　From February 19, 2026 until March 31, 2031

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/