Axelspace’s first space demonstration partner is Shinano Kenshi

September 10, 2024

On July 17, Axelspace (Tokyo, Japan; President and CEO, Yuya Nakamura, pictured left), an artificial satellite development company, announced the launch of its new service “AL Lab,” which provides in-space demonstration capabilities for space-related devices and components. Through this service, Axelspace will carry equipment developed by manufacturers on its satellites, and launch them into space to verify their performance in the space environment. If the equipment functions properly, it will be certified according to international standards for use in space.

The first participant in this program is Shinano Kenshi (Nagano, Japan; President and CEO, Yukihiro Kaneko), a company specializing in motors and factory automation equipment. In 2026, Shinano Kenshi will test its “reaction wheel,” a component used to control the orientation of satellites. The company plans to validate parts currently under development for 100kg-class satellites.

In August this year, Shinano Kenshi began mass production of the “ARW-3m,” a reaction wheel designed for small satellites weighing less than 10 kg, marking a significant step in expanding its space business. President Kaneko (pictured center) is optimistic about the company’s future in the space industry, stating, “In the near future, we aim to achieve 10 billion yen in sales from our space business alone.”