Axelspace Partners with African Organizations to Tackle Social Challenges through Satellite Data
Axelspace Corporation (“Axelspace”), a leading innovator in the field of microsatellite development and operation, has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with two prominent African governmental organizations. The agreements aim to promote cooperation in addressing social and environmental challenges by utilizing satellite-based Earth observation (EO) data.
The MoUs were signed with the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI) of the Republic of Ghana and the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD), headquartered in the Republic of Kenya. Through these partnerships, Axelspace seeks to strengthen collaboration with local institutions and foster the development of data-driven solutions tailored to regional needs across Africa.
Advancing Sustainable Development through Satellite Data
Axelspace has long championed the vision of making space technology accessible to everyone, with the goal of enabling a society where space-based data and insights can benefit industries and communities globally. By joining forces with GSSTI and RCMRD, the company is taking a major step toward realizing this vision in Africa—one of the most dynamic and rapidly developing regions in the world.
Through these partnerships, Axelspace will leverage its advanced satellite imagery and data analytics platform, AxelGlobe, to support decision-making in sectors such as agriculture, environmental and forest conservation, disaster management, climate adaptation, and urban infrastructure planning.
Both GSSTI and RCMRD have established themselves as key players in advancing space science, geospatial research, and technology applications across Africa. Their collaboration with Axelspace underscores a shared commitment to harnessing space-based insights for sustainable development.
Strengthening Local Partnerships in Africa
The signing ceremony between Axelspace and GSSTI took place during NIHONBASHI SPACE WEEK 2025, one of Japan’s leading events for the space industry, held in Tokyo on October 29, 2025 (JST). The event brought together global experts, innovators, and policymakers to discuss new opportunities in space technology and business collaboration.
The MoU with GSSTI was signed in the presence of Her Excellency Genevieve Edna Apaloo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Ghana to Japan, who expressed her optimism about the partnership’s potential to foster technological exchange and support Ghana’s space development initiatives.
GSSTI operates under the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC) within the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI). The institute plays a pivotal role in coordinating and promoting space science research, commercialization, and applications aimed at advancing Ghana’s socio-economic growth. Through this new collaboration with Axelspace, GSSTI will gain access to high-resolution satellite data and analytical tools that can enhance its ability to monitor natural resources, assess environmental conditions, and support national policy-making.
RCMRD, meanwhile, is an intergovernmental organization established in Kenya and composed of contracting member states across Africa. Its mission is to provide geo-information and allied technologies that support sustainable development. The center is widely recognized for its expertise in Earth observation, mapping, and geospatial training programs that empower African governments and local institutions to make data-informed decisions.
Applying Satellite Insights to Local Challenges
Under the newly signed MoUs, Axelspace will provide continuous access to satellite-derived Earth observation data and technical expertise to support local initiatives in both Ghana and RCMRD’s member states. The focus areas will include:
- Agriculture: Enhancing crop monitoring, yield estimation, and land-use analysis to support food security and sustainable farming practices.
- Environmental and Forest Conservation: Monitoring deforestation, land degradation, and biodiversity changes to promote effective conservation strategies.
- Disaster Management and Climate Response: Using real-time satellite data to track floods, droughts, and other natural disasters, helping communities build resilience against climate impacts.
- Urban Planning and Infrastructure: Assisting city planners with data-driven insights for sustainable urban growth and infrastructure development.
Each African partner organization will establish a localized framework for Earth observation data utilization, working with local companies, universities, and public agencies. Together with Axelspace, they will identify pressing social issues, design pilot projects, and implement scalable solutions that combine satellite data with ground-based information.
This approach not only supports national development goals but also contributes to building a sustainable commercial ecosystem around satellite data utilization in emerging economies. By encouraging collaboration between international and local stakeholders, the initiative aims to create new markets for EO data services across Africa.
A Shared Vision for Global Space Collaboration
The partnerships mark a significant milestone for Axelspace’s global outreach strategy. Since its founding, Axelspace has sought to democratize access to space technology by offering affordable and flexible microsatellite solutions. Its AxelGlobe platform currently operates a growing constellation of small satellites that provide daily imagery of locations worldwide, supporting industries ranging from agriculture to environmental management and urban development.
By extending its operations to Africa through partnerships with GSSTI and RCMRD, Axelspace underscores its dedication to using satellite technology as a force for social good. The collaborations reflect a broader trend of international cooperation in space, where advanced technology providers and developing nations work together to solve shared challenges such as climate change, resource management, and sustainable growth.
Commenting on the announcement, an Axelspace spokesperson stated:
“We are excited to collaborate with GSSTI and RCMRD to apply satellite data in ways that make a real difference to people’s lives. Africa faces unique challenges but also offers tremendous opportunities for innovation. By combining our expertise with local knowledge, we aim to co-create solutions that contribute to sustainable development and a better future.”
About Axelspace Corporation
Founded in 2008, Axelspace Corporation is a Tokyo-based company pioneering the use of microsatellites for Earth observation and related services. With its proprietary satellite constellation and data platform, Axelspace provides organizations around the world with easy access to timely and affordable satellite imagery. The company’s mission is to “democratize space” by making satellite data accessible and actionable for everyone.
