Axelspace's GRUS-3C returns first test image as commercial start targets February 2027

Axelspace has released a test image from GRUS-3C, a microsatellite in its AxelGlobe constellation. The satellite imaged Itatiba, in São Paulo state, Brazil, on 20 October 2026 (JST), and the data reached the ground over its high-speed communication system.

The company had earlier reported an anomaly in the high-speed communication systems of four GRUS-3 satellites: 3B, 3E, 3F and 3G. GRUS-3A, 3C and 3D have not shown the fault and are in initial operations. Because all seven share the same design, the three are being run with reduced power-amplifier consumption to avoid excessive temperature rises.

Under those conditions Axelspace confirmed the full chain from image capture to ground reception. It will keep checking equipment temperatures, communications behaviour, imaging, data reception and image quality, and aims to begin commercial operations in February 2027.

Why it matters: The result shows part of the next-generation AxelGlobe fleet can deliver imagery despite the fault, though under reduced power. Data users, including those in Africa, should expect commercial availability no earlier than February 2027, with capacity depending on the unaffected satellites.