Epson. and its subsidiary Epson X Investment Corporation (EXI), have invested in a startup company that develops and manufactures microsatellites.
Axelspace, a private sector satellite manufacturer, designs, manufactures and operates microsatellites. The company, which simultaneously manufactured four of its GRUS* satellites for its AxelGlobe data service, is accumulating knowledge in volume production.
Epson and EXI say they invested in Axelspace because it is a growing company that has demonstrated competitiveness in the expanding space data and technology utilisation business. It has strong technological capabilities and has continued to compile a strong track record. In addition, it wishes to explore the possibility of synergies with Epson’s sensing devices.
With the vision of bringing ‘Space within Your Reach’, Axelspace launched AxelLiner, which develops, manufactures and operates microsatellites, and AxelGlobe, which captures and accumulates Earth observation data, sells satellite imagery, and provides analysis and consulting services.
Epson says the space industry has recently reached a turning point and now heads toward rapid commercialisation. New business players (primarily venture companies) and new business models are rapidly growing in the so-called ‘new space’ sector.
In addition to solutions businesses that utilise satellite data, these players are developing high-frequency observation services using microsatellite constellations, providing on-orbit services, and developing space resources. The number of satellites launched globally is expected to double in the next ten years, and the utilisation of satellite space data and technology is expected to grow steadily.
The on-orbit services sector and the utilisation of space data and technology using these microsatellites are expected to expand further in the future. As this unfolds, Axelspace will expand around its core businesses, an Earth observation platform and one-stop microsatellite services.
Under the Epson 25 Renewed corporate vision, Epson says it seeks to contribute to developing a smart society with crystal devices and semiconductor solutions that capitalise on its state-of-the-art efficient, compact and precise technologies.
Epson adds that it will contribute to a sustainable society by co-creating with various partners based on its proprietary technologies, products, and services.
