PYXIS satellite set to enhance satellite technology

PYXIS satellite set to enhance satellite technology
by Riko Seibo
Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Mar 04, 2024

Axelspace Corporation, a Tokyo-based leader in the microsatellite sector, has announced the scheduled launch of its latest demonstration satellite, PYXIS. The launch is set to take place on March 4, 2024, utilizing SpaceX's reliable Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA. This mission, dubbed Transporter-10, aims to place PYXIS into a sun-synchronous orbit between 500 and 600 kilometers above the Earth's surface, marking a pivotal moment for Axelspace and the broader space industry.

Axelspace, known for its innovative approach to Earth observation and satellite technology, has designed PYXIS to fulfill multiple crucial objectives. Firstly, the satellite will demonstrate the capabilities of the versatile satellite bus system for AxelLiner, a foundational system for satellite operations including attitude control and power supply. This demonstration is critical for the development of more efficient and reliable satellite technologies moving forward.

Moreover, PYXIS will test the sensors intended for the next-generation AxelGlobe satellites, named GRUS. These sensors represent a leap forward in Earth observation technology, promising to enhance the quality and accessibility of data for a variety of applications ranging from environmental monitoring to urban planning.

Another key aspect of the PYXIS mission is the demonstration of a satellite radio experiment system developed by SONY Group. This collaboration highlights the intersection of traditional technology sectors with the burgeoning space industry, showcasing the innovative potential of partnerships in advancing satellite capabilities.

The launch and deployment of PYXIS are supported by funding from the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), underlining the project's significance within Japan's strategic initiatives in space technology. The development and demonstration of the general-purpose (versatile) satellite bus, as well as an in-orbit demonstration of a deployable deorbit mechanism, are part of broader efforts to advance CubeSat and microsatellite technologies through projects subsidized by NEDO and implemented by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Founded by President and CEO Yuya Nakamura, Axelspace is at the forefront of the Earth observation business, leveraging microsatellites to offer innovative solutions across various sectors. The company's expertise spans the design, manufacturing, and operational support of microsatellites, as well as arranging their launch. The upcoming PYXIS mission embodies Axelspace's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in satellite technology, setting the stage for future advancements in Earth observation and beyond.