Axelspace Holdings said four of the seven GRUS-3 small satellites launched on 7 July 2026 (Japan time) have a fault in the high-speed communications system used to download captured image data, and that restoring it and starting the planned commercial operation has been judged difficult.
Which satellites
The fault affects units 3B, 3E, 3F and 3G. The company said the satellites had completed critical operations, the check of on-orbit health, and were in initial operations, which verify onboard equipment ahead of commercial use, when the communications anomaly appeared. Checks and recovery work continued until the compliance and risk management committee was told on 28 September that recovery of the high-speed link and the planned commercial operation were difficult. The disclosure followed that report.
The launch was carried out by Axelspace, a consolidated subsidiary of the listed holding company, under the AxelGlobe business.
The three that work
Units 3A, 3C and 3D have not shown the same event and remain in initial operations. Axelspace said it is carrying out quality-assurance checks with care ahead of starting commercial operation for them. Commercial service for those three is not yet under way.
Cause and cost
The company believes a fault in a power amplifier circuit within the communications system caused the problem, and is investigating the detailed cause. It is also reviewing its development process and considering measures to improve quality and reliability for satellites due to launch later.
The effect on earnings is under review. The company said it may book an impairment loss on all or part of its fixed assets as an extraordinary loss, and will announce details once its review is complete. The notice gives no amount or timetable.