Axelspace Corporation’s (Axelspace) demonstration satellite PYXIS is targeted to launch on March 4, 2024 (PST).
About the launch and the missions of PYXIS
The launch is scheduled as follows:
Launch Date: March 4, 2024 (PST)
Launch Vehicle: Falcon 9
Mission of the Launch: Transporter-10
Launch Site: Vandenberg Space Force Base (California, USA)
Orbit: Sun-synchronous orbit, 500~600 km altitude
Launch Operator: SpaceX (Space Exploration Technologies Corp.)
The schedule may change due to other factors such as weather conditions.
PYXIS will work on the following missions in orbit.
1. Demonstration of the versatile satellite bus system* for AxelLiner
2. Demonstration of the sensors for the next-generation AxelGlobe satellites (GRUS)
3. Demonstration of a satellite radio experiment system by SONY Group
PYXIS：https://www.axelspace.com/assets/pdf/missions/pyxis_en.pdf
*The bus system is the fundamental satellite operation system, encompassing crucial functions such as attitude control and power supply.
Innovation with AxelLiner
Axelspace has developed PYXIS as a demonstration satellite through AxelLiner, the one-stop microsatellite service, to establish the de facto standard in 100 kg-class microsatellites. The primary feature of PYXIS lies in the integration of the newly developed versatile satellite bus system.
AxelLiner has revolutionized microsatellite development by standardizing fundamental components of satellites, challenging the norms of conventional satellite projects known for longer development processes and significant costs.
AxelLiner aims to shorten the traditional satellite development cycle to one year through the establishment of the mass production system. This approach facilitates concurrent development of multiple satellites, rendering microsatellites more cost-effective. As a result, users will experience a significant reduction in challenges associated with satellite utilization, meeting the escalating demand for microsatellites promptly and efficiently.
Axelspace continues to deliver user-friendly solutions to diverse needs by further accelerating its technological development for AxelLiner and expanding its GRUS constellation for AxelGlobe. This unwavering commitment aims to bring the vision of “Space within Your Reach.”
General-purpose (Versatile) satellite bus and In-orbit Demonstration of Deployable Deorbit Mechanism are based on results obtained from the following projects subsidized by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).
-Development and Demonstration of General-Purpose CubeSat and Microsatellite Buses (FY2023-2026)
*This project is implemented by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry from FY2021 to FY2022
– Program to Support Ventures for Developing Space Components (FY2020-2021)
Company Profile
Axelspace Corporation
Location: Tokyo, Japan
President and CEO: Yuya Nakamura
Main business activities involve the following: Earth observation business using microsatellites; proposals of solutions utilizing microsatellites; designing and manufacturing of microsatellites and related components; launch arrangements for microsatellites; operational support and commissioning.
URL: https://www.axelspace.com/
AxelGlobe：https://www.axelglobe.com/en
AxelLiner：https://www.axelspace.com/services/