Selected for Phase III of Japan’s Space Strategy Fund Theme “Development and Demonstration of Low-Cost, High-Frequency On-Orbit Demonstration Technologies Using Satellites to Expand Opportunities for On-Orbit Demonstration”

～Supporting the Practical Application and Commercialization of Space Components by Expanding Demonstration Opportunities～

Axelspace Corporation (“Axelspace”), a leading developer and operator of microsatellites, announces that its proposed technology development project has been selected for the third phase of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)’s Space Strategy Fund under the theme “Development and Demonstration of Low-Cost, High-Frequency On-Orbit Demonstration Technologies Using Satellites to Expand Opportunities for On-Orbit Demonstration.”

Through this technology development project, Axelspace will develop a new versatile satellite bus system and establish a service platform aimed at shortening the time from contract signing to launch and expanding opportunities for on-orbit demonstration.

Through these efforts, Axelspace aims to address two structural challenges to entering the space component market: “lack of flight heritage (proven performance in the space environment)” and “infrequent and costly demonstration opportunities,” thereby contributing to the commercialization of space components and new technologies originating in Japan.

Project Summary (Planned)
・Technology Development Theme: Development and Demonstration of Low-Cost, High-Frequency On-Orbit Demonstration Technologies Using Satellites to Expand Opportunities for On-Orbit Demonstration
・Project Title: Establishment of an Innovative On-Orbit Demonstration Platform to Accelerate the Commercialization of Customers’ Components
・Lead Organization: Axelspace Corporation (Principal Investigator: Minoru Kurata, Head of Spacecraft Technology Division)
・Partner Organization: Gakushuin University, Gakushuin School Corporation
・Related Information: JAXA Space Strategy Fund
https://fund.jaxa.jp/content/uploads/Overview_of_The_SpaceStrategy_Fund.pdf

Background and Objectives of the Technology Development
Rapid growth in global demand for microsatellites has accelerated the development of satellite components in recent years. Alongside the emergence of space startups, companies from other industries, including automotive and precision equipment manufacturing, are entering the space sector. When selecting components, however, satellite manufacturers place considerable importance on flight heritage—a proven track record of operation in space. Opportunities to obtain this heritage through on-orbit demonstration remain constrained by limited launch opportunities in Japan, long preparation periods, and high costs. These constraints make it difficult to bring newly developed technologies to market within the timeframes required by customers.

Through the development and operation of the small demonstration satellite RAPIS-1 and its on-orbit demonstration service, “AxelLiner Laboratory”, launched in 2024, Axelspace has accumulated expertise in demonstration satellite technologies and a deeper understanding of customer needs. Building on this experience, Axelspace will work to further enhance the convenience of its on-orbit demonstration services by developing a new versatile satellite bus system, reducing service costs, shortening lead times to launch, accommodating a wider range of launch vehicles, and expanding opportunities for on-orbit demonstration, among other initiatives.

As a responsible operator of multiple satellites, Axelspace will also work with Gakushuin University to revise its own space sustainability standards, aiming to support the sustainable use of space and contributing to international rulemaking.

Future Outlook
Axelspace will develop and launch a new versatile satellite bus system and verify the satellite’s basic functions and its capability to operate in orbit. Based on the results of this verification, Axelspace aims to expand into commercial services that regularly provide opportunities for on-orbit demonstration. Through these efforts, Axelspace will seek to address a wide range of needs, from performance verification of components and equipment to demonstrations aimed at realizing new space services.

Drawing on the knowledge gained through satellite development and operations, Axelspace will support the process through which new technologies establish flight heritage and achieve commercial adoption, contributing to the growth of Japan’s space industry and the expansion of space utilization.

Lead and Partner Organization
Axelspace will lead the project, with Gakushuin University serving as a partner organization. By combining satellite development and operations expertise with knowledge of space sustainability and international rulemaking, the organizations will work to establish an accessible and sustainable platform.

Axelspace Corporation (Lead Organization)
Axelspace will oversee the project and lead the technology development and commercialization of the on-orbit demonstration service. It will manage satellite manufacturing, testing, launch, and operations, aiming to deliver lower costs, shorter lead times, and more frequent opportunities. Axelspace will also incorporate the space sustainability standards developed with Gakushuin University into satellite design and operations and verify their feasibility and effectiveness.

Gakushuin University (Partner Organization)
Gakushuin University will research and analyze international developments in space sustainability research, policy, and rulemaking, and work with Axelspace to revise the Green Spacecraft Standard to version 2.0. Drawing on Axelspace’s technology development results and operational experience, the university will also contribute to the continued advancement of the standard and international rulemaking through presentations and proposals at international conferences and other forums.

For more information on past initiatives by Axelspace and Gakushuin University, please see the links below.
Axelspace Launches Joint Research with Gakushuin University on Space Sustainability Rulemaking Strategy

About Gakushuin University
As a comprehensive university with 6 faculties and 20 departments, Gakushuin University develops “type-T” individuals who combine robust specialized expertise with a flexible interdisciplinary mindset. The university also offers “fusion programs,”— multifaceted inquiries led by instructors in both the sciences and humanities— including courses such as “Space Utilization Theory”. Through these courses, the University aims to create a two-way flow of knowledge by sharing cutting-edge insights and industry developments with students and incorporating ideas arising from classroom discussions into research. Guided by its basic policy on industry–academia collaboration, the University also pursues a broad range of research activities, including collaboration among industry, government and academia, and works to put its research findings and intellectual property to practical use.
https://www.univ.gakushuin.ac.jp/en/

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.

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