Axelspace Announces New Service “AxelLiner Laboratory (AL Lab)” to Meet the Rapidly Growing Need for In-orbit Demonstration of Space Components

Tokyo, Japan – July 17, 2024 – Axelspace Corporation (Axelspace) today announced the launch of AxelLiner Laboratory (AL Lab), a new service under AxelLiner introduced in 2022. This service specializes in in-orbit demonstration of space components with sales set to begin in the near future.
Additionally, a new memorandum was signed between Axelspace and ASPINA Shinano Kenshi Co., Ltd. (ASPINA), a partner in developing a reaction wheel for microsatellites since 2020. The companies have agreed to launch the wheel in 2026 and conduct an in-orbit demonstration, making it the first to utilize AL Lab.

Meeting the growing need for in-orbit demonstration

Introducing AxelLiner in 2022, Axelspace has been preparing for its full-scale service launch. This preparation included developing a versatile bus system for microsatellites, forming the Spacecraft Manufacturing Alliance for mass production, and building AxelLiner Terminal, a software system offering innovative customer experiences.

Since its business launch, there have been high expectations for this one-stop microsatellite service that enables customers to actualize their unique space missions in a shorter period of time, reaffirming the strong need for this business.
Furthermore, through communications with various space industry players, strong interest has been received from companies that develop space components and mission equipment as well. To further expand this customer base, Axelspace began research into creating a new service for AxelLiner that specializes in in-orbit demonstrations.

In Japan, opportunities for in-orbit demonstration have been provided regularly by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) through the Innovative Satellite Technology Demonstration Program since 2016, and consistent results have been achieved. Under this program, Axelspace developed their first satellite (RAPIS-1 launched in 2019) and co-developed the Deployable Deorbit Mechanism, D-SAIL, which is expected to be installed in their fourth satellite of the program. This was when Axelspace realized the genuine need of companies seeking in-orbit demonstrations.

Nonetheless, conducting in-orbit demonstrations in a short period of time is known to be a significant challenge due to the inconsistent opportunities provided for in-orbit demonstration missions and its lengthy process from selection to launch, often taking up to several years.

In light of these circumstances, the Japanese government plans to create the Space Strategic Fund this year, aiming to offer 1 trillion yen worth of support in the coming decade. One of the themes the fund intends to implement is the establishment of a satellite supply chain through development and demonstration of satellite parts and components. Consequently, the demand for early-phase in-orbit demonstration services is expected to increase in the future.

To overcome these existing challenges involved in in-orbit demonstrations, Axelspace has developed a service tailored to such special needs by leveraging the short development time and mass-production capabilities realized by AxelLiner.

AL Lab can be used not only to test components and mission equipment in space, but also for purposes of entertainment, or corporate or product promotions.
The original service concept will be redefined as “AxelLiner Professional (AL Pro),” with preparations continuing for its full-scale launch.

Features of AxelLiner Laboratory (AL Lab)

1. Allocates the divided installation space on Axelspace’s 100 kg-class microsatellites to customers for their in-orbit demonstration equipment
2. Provides an emulator that simulates AxelLiner Terminal and the satellite bus functionality, enabling customers to independently conduct various tests, including connection tests with the satellite bus, on their demonstration equipment
3. [Currently in preparation] Provides AxelLiner Terminal function to facilitate the setup of demonstration plans and result acquisitions by adapting the automated satellite operation system of Axelspace
4. Offers a scheduled in-orbit demonstration period of one year
5. [Currently in preparation] Optional Services
　a) TRL (Technology Readiness Level) Certification*.
・AL Lab sets TRL7 or TRL9 in-orbit test items for each demonstration component by utilizing its expertise in satellite operation. A TRL certificate will be issued along with the actual performance results upon successful completion of the test items. These TRL-certified components are planned to be featured on the future AxelLiner website.
　　 ・Components with a certain level of certification (i.e., TRL9) can be considered for future use in Axelspace satellites.
　b) Capturing videos and still images of demonstration equipment, and temperature measurement, etc.
　c) Adjusting the launch date when development delays occur in accordance with the increased launch opportunities
* TRL (Technology Readiness Level) Certification
TRL Certification is a systematic quantitative scale designed to assess and compare the maturity levels of various technologies.

TRL Determination Method
・TRL7：Product prototype demonstration performed in a space environment: TRL7 is determined based on the accumulated operating time and any observed changes over that period.
・TRL9：Actual product verified under environment closely resembling the actual operating conditions: TRL9 is determined based on accumulated operating time and observed changes over time.
　※The above may be subject to change in future considerations.

Expected customers for AL Lab

・Companies that want to test their developed components for space application at an early stage to lead to sales
・Companies that want to test in-orbit operation of their developed mission equipment prototypes before their future business application
・Companies that want to send hardware(s) to space for their corporate promotion of their new product or about the company
・Companies that want to provide entertainment-related services utilizing unique features of space
*For customers who plan to conduct exclusive space missions and would require comprehensive satellite service, AL Pro is recommended.

Comments from Each Company

“ASPINA runs a global business with its strength in motor-related technologies under the mission of ‘Shaping the hopes for tomorrow and providing comfort to the world’s people.’
In the space market, our goal is to expedite the creation of social value through the utilization of space. To realize this goal, we have started a joint development of a reaction wheel, a key component incorporated into the attitude control system of satellites, with Axelspace in 2020.
We expect that AxelLiner Laboratory will not only prove the reliability of our components in space at earlier stages but will also expand the Japanese space market by providing other companies demonstration opportunities for their components.
ASPINA is currently developing reaction wheels for 100-300 kg-class satellites. We plan to expand the product lineup in the future and conduct in-orbit demonstrations to meet diverse needs in society.”

“As the number of satellites launched increases rapidly, the demand for in-orbit demonstration of satellite components is steadily growing. We believe that responding to these needs in a timely manner will further invigorate the entire space industry.
It is our pleasure to have ASPINA’s reaction wheel installed onto our satellite as the first application of our newly launched service, AxelLiner Laboratory. Marking this milestone, we aim to expand demonstration opportunities and develop a service for a broader use by more business operators.”

About Axelspace Corporation

Axelspace Corporation, based in Tokyo, Japan, is a space venture with its business activities include proposing solutions utilizing microsatellites, designing and manufacturing microsatellites and related components, arranging launches for microsatellites, and providing operational support and commissioning. The company is led by President and CEO, Yuya Nakamura.

https://www.axelspace.com/
AxelGlobe：https://www.axelglobe.com/
AxelLiner：https://www.axelspace.com/services/#axelliner