Problems were confirmed in the high-speed communications systems of 4 of Axelspace's 7 GRUS-3 satellites, and commercial operations were deemed difficult. Initial operations are scheduled to continue on the remaining 3 satellites, while the cause and future response are being investigated.
On 29 September 2026, Axelspace announced that problems had occurred in the high-speed communications systems of 4 of the 7 GRUS-3 next-generation Earth observation satellites, making it difficult to begin commercial operations. The affected satellites are GRUS-3B, 3E, 3F and 3G, and the cause is believed to be a problem with the power amplification circuits.
No similar problems have been confirmed on the remaining 3 satellites, GRUS-3A, 3C and 3D, which continue initial operations and quality checks. No specific timing for the start of commercial operations has been disclosed. The status of each satellite is summarized in a table.
GRUS-3 is a constellation of satellites supporting AxelGlobe's business expansion, with plans for coordinated operation of all 7 satellites. The communications-system problems affecting the data transmission system responsible for delivering images from the ground are expected to affect the overall commercialization schedule.
The company plans to investigate the cause and review its development processes, with the aim of strengthening its future mass-production system for satellites. It is expected to apply the experience gained from GRUS-3 to the expansion of its Earth observation data business.