Now that the Christmas holidays are behind us, it’s the perfect time to invest in yourself and spend those gift cards on gadgets that power your New Year’s resolutions. Gear up for 2026 with the Best of SteelSeries!
Whether you’re looking to soundtrack a new workout routine with comfy, noise-cancelling headphones, upgrade your WFH setup with a sleek LED keyboard, or amplify your streaming setup with pro-level audio, SteelSeries has just the tech to support your goals. You can find the SteelSeries “New Year, New Gear”
With popular picks ranging from under £99 to £599, SteelSeries offers an expansive line of award-winning gear for every budget. Shop premium headphones, keyboards, mice, and more at SteelSeries.com, or get it fast with Amazon Prime!
Best of SteelSeries
Arctis Nova Elite (luxury) — world’s first Hi-Fi Wireless Certified gaming headphones
Ireland’s appetite for connectivity continues to soar, with Vodafone Ireland’s latest network insights revealing record-breaking data usage, festive surges, and a clear shift in how the nation communicates.
Mobile data usage rose by 19.24% year-on-year, climbing from 445,133 TB in 2024 to 530,794 TB in 2025. The busiest day for data was Tuesday, 9th December, when 1,660 TB was consumed nationwide as Storm Bram swept across Ireland. Evenings remain Ireland’s prime time for digital activity, with 10 PM emerging as the busiest hour for online engagement.
While data demand continues to rise, overall voice traffic fell by 7.83% compared to 2024, reflecting a growing preference for messaging, video calls, and social platforms over traditional voice communication. Yet, calls still matter when it counts. The busiest day for calls in 2025 was Wednesday, 26th March, with 502,273 Erlangs – equivalent to approximately 10 million calls, assuming an average 3-minute duration.
Christmas and New Year’s Day saw millions reconnect. Christmas Day recorded almost 3.4 million calls, while New Year’s Day soared past 4.5 million. Together, that’s over 8 million calls during the festive period, proof that when it matters most, Ireland still picks up the phone.
Beyond everyday patterns, 2025 was marked by extraordinary peaks in data usage during Ireland’s major events. During the Ireland vs South Africa rugby match, Vodafone’s network handled over 15,000 calls. Across last year’s Autumn International home matches, Vodafone Ireland’s network managed over 220 TB of data, the equivalent of streaming 73 million songs. Summer’s biggest music moments drove massive connectivity spikes, with Vodafone’s network handling over 5 TB of mobile data across the Dua Lipa and Lana Del Rey concerts at Aviva Stadium – powered by thousands of photos, live streams, and social sharing.
These insights underscore the importance of staying connected in today’s world. As demand for data continues to rise, Vodafone Ireland is currently in the midst of a €500 million five-year investment cycle to enhance network performance across the country.
This ongoing investment and network upgrades have ensured an increasingly fast, reliable service for customers, and saw that Vodafone Ireland was recognised by independent benchmarking organisation, umlaut, as “Best in Test” for the tenth consecutive year in 2025.
Technology now touches every part of life – from accessing government services and our ways of working to planning journeys on public transport and staying in touch with loved ones. Ireland is more connected than ever before, and 2026 will bring new opportunities and challenges for our networks as our digital evolution continues.
Choosing the right cryptocurrency platform can make the difference between a smooth buying experience and a frustrating one. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced trader, these ten platforms offer the best combination of security, features, and user experience for purchasing Bitcoin and other digital assets in 2026.
1. MoonPay – Best for Quick Purchases and Payment Flexibility
If you want tobuy Bitcoin quickly without navigating complex exchange interfaces, MoonPay offers the perfect solution. This financial technology platform specializes in making cryptocurrency purchases as simple as possible, with support for over 170 digital assets across 160+ countries.
Key Features:
Supports credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and bank transfers
Integrated into 500+ wallets and apps including MetaMask, Trust Wallet, and Phantom
MoonPay Balance feature for zero-fee transactions
Crypto-to-crypto swaps across 2,000+ trading pairs
NFT purchasing capabilities with simple checkout
Lightning-fast delivery directly to your wallet
Fees: Up to 4.5% for card transactions, with a minimum fee of $3.99-$4.50. Zero fees when using MoonPay Balance with bank transfers.
Best For: Casual buyers who want speed and convenience, NFT collectors, and users who prefer mobile payment methods
2. Coinbase – Best for Beginners
Coinbase remains the gold standard for newcomers to cryptocurrency. With over 100 million users worldwide, the platform offers an incredibly intuitive interface that makes buying Bitcoin as simple as online banking.
Key Features:
FDIC insurance on USD balances up to $250,000
Extensive educational resources through Coinbase Learn
Support for 250+ cryptocurrencies
Strong regulatory compliance and public company transparency
Fees: Maker/taker fees start at 0.40%/0.60%
Best For: First-time buyers who prioritize ease of use and security
3. Kraken – Best for Low Fees and Advanced Trading
Kraken has built a solid reputation since 2011, offering professional-grade tools without excessive costs. The platform appeals to both beginners and experienced traders who want competitive fees and advanced order types.
Key Features:
Competitive maker fees starting at 0.16%
Support for 450+ digital assets and 800+ trading pairs
Crypto staking for dozens of cryptocurrencies
24/7 multilingual customer support
Fees: Among the lowest in the industry, starting at 0.16%
Best For: Cost-conscious traders who want advanced features
4. Binance.US – Best for Cryptocurrency Variety
Binance.US provides access to the widest selection of tradable crypto assets, with 180+ cryptocurrencies available and 0% trading fees on select pairs. The platform’s staking rewards program covers 20+ proof-of-stake cryptocurrencies.
Key Features:
Extensive cryptocurrency selection
0% fees on selected trading pairs
Staking opportunities for passive income
Access to emerging tokens
Fees: Maker/taker fees start at 0.25%/0.50%
Best For: Traders seeking access to diverse cryptocurrencies and earning opportunities
5. Gemini – Best for Security and Regulatory Compliance
Founded by the Winklevoss twins, Gemini has built its reputation on institutional-grade security and strict regulatory compliance. Operating under New York’s BitLicense framework, it’s the first exchange to achieve SOC 1 Type 2 and SOC 2 Type 2 certifications.
Key Features:
Insurance on digital assets held in hot wallets
Cold storage for additional security
Available in all US states
Strong regulatory compliance
Fees: Maker/taker fees start at 1%/1%
Best For: Security-focused traders and institutions
6. Crypto.com – Best Mobile Trading Experience
Crypto.com delivers an exceptional mobile trading experience with a highly rated app that makes buying Bitcoin seamless on smartphones and tablets. The platform’s Visa card integration allows users to earn crypto rewards on everyday purchases.
Key Features:
Intuitive mobile app with excellent user experience
Crypto Visa card with rewards program
Support for 400+ cryptocurrencies
Staking available in most states
ISO 22301:2019, ISO/IEC 27701:2019, ISO/IEC 27001:2022 compliance
Fees: Maker/taker fees start at 0.25%/0.50%
Best For: Mobile-first users and those who want crypto integrated into daily spending
7. OKX – Best for Global Traders
OKX offers a comprehensive trading platform with strong global reach, supporting users in numerous countries with advanced trading tools and competitive fees.
Key Features:
Wide range of trading instruments
Strong liquidity
Advanced charting and technical analysis tools
Multiple order types
Best For: International traders seeking professional tools
8. eToro – Best for Social Trading
eToro pioneered social trading, allowing investors to follow and copy successful traders. Founded in 2007, it supports cryptocurrencies, stocks, and ETFs in one platform.
Key Features:
Social and copy trading features
Simple 1% flat fee on crypto trades
Regulated by FINRA and SEC
User-friendly platform for beginners
Fees: Flat 1% trading fee on cryptocurrency
Best For: Beginners who want to learn from experienced traders
9. Bitget – Best for Derivatives Trading
Bitget has gained recognition for its derivatives trading platform and copy trading features, appealing to users interested in futures and options.
Key Features:
Advanced derivatives platform
Copy trading capabilities
Competitive fees for high-volume traders
Strong security measures
Best For: Traders interested in leveraged products and copy trading
10. Uphold – Best for Multi-Asset Trading
Uphold goes beyond cryptocurrencies, offering a multi-asset platform that includes precious metals, national currencies, and various cryptocurrencies in one place.
Key Features:
Multi-asset support (crypto, metals, currencies)
Transparent fee structure
No deposit or withdrawal fees for many transactions
Available in 150+ countries
Best For: Investors seeking diversification across multiple asset classes
How to Choose the Right Platform for You
When selecting a cryptocurrency platform, consider these factors:
For Beginners: Start with user-friendly platforms like Coinbase or MoonPay that prioritize simplicity and education over advanced features.
For Cost-Conscious Buyers: Kraken and Binance.US offer some of the lowest fees in the industry, making them ideal for frequent traders.
For Quick Purchases: MoonPay excels at fast transactions with multiple payment options, perfect for those who don’t want to navigate complex exchanges.
For Security Focus: Gemini’s institutional-grade security and regulatory compliance make it the top choice for security-conscious users.
For Mobile Users: Crypto.com provides the best mobile experience with seamless app integration and daily spending features.
Essential Security Practices
Regardless of which platform you choose, follow these security fundamentals:
Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Use hardware security keys or authenticator apps, not SMS codes
Start Small: Make a test purchase before committing large amounts
Move to Self-Custody: Consider transferring Bitcoin to a hardware wallet for long-term holdings
Secure Your Email: Your email is the gateway to your accounts, protect it with strong passwords and 2FA
Verify Everything: Always double-check wallet addresses before sending transactions
Keep Records: Document all transactions for tax purposes and personal tracking
Payment Methods Comparison
Different platforms support different payment options:
Credit/Debit Cards: Fast but expensive (3-5% fees) – Available on most platforms
Bank Transfers: Lower fees (0-1.5%) but slower – Best on Coinbase, Kraken, MoonPay Balance
PayPal: Convenient but limited – Supported by MoonPay and select platforms
Apple Pay/Google Pay: Mobile-friendly – MoonPay, Crypto.com
Wire Transfers: For large amounts – Most major exchanges
Understanding Fees
Cryptocurrency platforms charge various fees:
Trading Fees: Charged per transaction (0.16% – 1%)
Deposit Fees: Some platforms charge for funding (0-4.5%)
Withdrawal Fees: Network fees for moving crypto off the platform
Spread Fees: Hidden in the buy/sell price difference
Final Thoughts
The cryptocurrency landscape offers numerous quality platforms, each with distinct strengths. Coinbase and MoonPay lead for beginners, Kraken dominates on fees, Gemini excels in security, and Crypto.com wins for mobile experience. Many users benefit from using multiple platforms, perhaps MoonPay for quick purchases, Kraken for regular trading, and a hardware wallet for long-term storage.
Start with small amounts, verify platform legitimacy through official regulatory channels, and never invest more than you can afford to lose. With these ten platforms and proper security practices, you have everything needed to safely enter the cryptocurrency market.
Remember: every platform has strengths and limitations. Choose based on your specific needs, whether that’s low fees, maximum security, quick purchases, or advanced trading tools. The best platform for you is the one that matches your experience level, buying frequency, and cryptocurrency goals.
Thirteen years. That is exactly how long fans have had to wait for the latest instalment of Grand Theft Auto. The hype is so off the charts that the game won Most Anticipated Game at the Game Awards for 2024 and 2025. Developer, Rockstar, describes the game as “the largest game launch in history,” and right now, other games will just avoid GTA VI’s launch day, week, and even month.
However, 2026 is more than one particular game. No doubt, GTA VI will be the focus of most of the attention of game launches in 2026. Yet, the coming year also brings an incredible lineup for the gaming world. From epic fantasy adventures to monster-hunting expansions and console exclusives, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years in gaming history. Let’s break down what’s coming.
1. The Game Everyone’s Waiting For: Grand Theft Auto 6
Grand Theft Auto VI will now be released on Thursday, November 19, 2026. This is after several delays resulting from a widely publicised security breach, Rockstar’s own perfectionism, and the game’s sheer complexity and technical scale. The initially scheduled release period for the game was 2025, then May 26, 2026.
Grand Theft Auto VI is positioned to be the most culturally significant game of 2026. Rockstar continues to push the genre they built through innovations such as density, realism, and dynamics that improve over time. All the parts of the common reiterations that felt unfinished are expected to be revamped and improved. The fact that there were no car-stealing side missions, the NPCs were unexciting, and the Diamond Casino was unavailable in story mode. Even though available in GTA online, there were no real stakes, as the money wagered was in GTA dollars because of the regulatory hiccups that surround gambling in different parts of the world.
Gamers hope that GTA VI will use a special currency that can be converted into real-life currencies. They believe that emulating the same principles already being used by crypto casino sites like the many top Ethereum casinos, for instance, will enhance the gameplay. Using cryptocurrency allows for improved access without dealing with the regulatory hurdles that come with using different fiat currencies in regions around the world. While it is unlikely that Rockstar will incorporate real money gambling on gaming software, fans are hoping for a similar experience.
2. An Epic Fantasy Awaits in Crimson Desert
Crimson Desert marks a significant leap for Pearl Abyss, shifting toward more cinematic, story-driven open-world design. The game combines large-scale exploration with intense, skill-based combat. It takes place in the fictional continent of Pywel, which is dealing with numerous conflicts and mysterious occurrences. The protagonist, Kliff, undertakes a mission to reunite his separated Graymane friends, in the process rallying all the forces of Pywel against the evil that threatens to engulf the world.
Crimson Desert’s defining characteristic is its active combat system, which is supported by the BlackSpace Engine. The game was initially a prequel to Black Desert Online, but it eventually became a standalone single-player game. Making it standalone allows Pearl Abyss to focus on greater specialisation and polish its storyline.
3. Raccoon City Makes a Return in Resident Evil Requiem
After the story of Ethan Winters in RE7: Biohazard and RE8: Village, Requiem returns the franchise to Raccoon City, the ground zero of the deadly T-Virus. Since RE has always been a classic survival horror game, there’s a strong emphasis on exploration, solving various environmental puzzles, and prudent resource usage.
Combat is purposeful, not constant, prompting players to weigh when to fight and when to evade. Raccoon City is a dense, interconnected place, merging old and new, with some sections now abandoned or inaccessible due to years of decay. The lighting and sound design are also integral. Limited visibility heightens tension and encourages players to move cautiously, observe their surroundings, and survive by wits rather than brute force.
4. Monster Hunter Just Keeps On Growing
On March 13, 2026, a new Monster Hunter spin-off, Twisted Reflections, is scheduled to drop for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, as well as PC via Steam. Prior to that, though, there’s still a lot to enjoy in the current instalment.
Capcom recently announced that a fourth major patch for Monster Hunter Wilds is set to arrive in December, wrapping up major updates on that title. The company is also set to release a performance patch exclusively on PC in January 2026. This release features graphics settings, CPU options, and memory presets to help free computer space. This series appeals to fans of turn-based RPGs for its engaging experience and several exciting additions introduced with each new instalment.
The upcoming year brings big sequels, exciting new IPs, and a shiny new console crammed with exclusives. So, whether you’re a monster hunter, vice lord, or island tycoon, there’s something phenomenal waiting for you in the year 2026
Core42, a G42 company specializing in sovereign cloud and AI infrastructure, today announced the establishment of its European headquarters in Dublin, Ireland. The news was shared at Investopia, the UAE’s global investment platform, which is hosting its global dialogue series in Dublin this week. The new headquarters strengthens Core42’s ability to serve European enterprises and governments seeking secure, high-performance infrastructure to scale AI adoption.
Core42 was founded in 2023 by G42 to build globally relevant infrastructure for large-scale AI. The company focuses on sovereign cloud, advanced compute platforms, and hyperscale AI environments that support production-grade AI across sectors. Core42 partners with Microsoft, NVIDIA, AMD, Cerebras, and other global ecosystem leaders to ensure customers have access to the latest accelerators, models, and architectures.
Through its AI Cloud platform, Core42 provides fast, self-service access to high-performance compute for training, inference, and large-scale experimentation. Its services portfolio, managed delivery functions, and AI solutioning capabilities support customers through cloud modernization, data readiness, and the full AI adoption lifecycle.
Since 2024, Core42 has expanded its European presence through a series of large-scale sovereign compute initiatives. In France, Core42 partnered with Data One and Oreus to deliver a national-scale AI infrastructure deployment in Grenoble that supports high-performance enterprise and public sector workloads. In Italy, the company collaborated with Domyn to build Europe’s largest AI compute cluster, creating a strong foundation for an AI-first economy and accelerating the region’s ability to scale advanced AI solutions.
Establishing the European headquarters in Dublin marks the next phase of this expansion. The office will act as the regional hub for customer delivery, engineering leadership, regulatory engagement, and ecosystem partnerships. It positions Core42 to work more closely with European institutions and industry leaders as demand for scalable AI infrastructure accelerates across key sectors.
Commenting on the milestone, Talal M. Al Kaissi, Interim CEO of Core42, said: “Europe is a central part of Core42’s global expansion strategy. Establishing our headquarters in Dublin gives us the operational base to support growing demand for high-performance AI infrastructure and to work more closely with customers and partners as they scale production-grade AI across key sectors.”
Also at Investopia, Core42 together with Emerging Markets Intelligence and Research (EMIR), released a report that explores the infrastructure, policy, and investment conditions required for Europe to accelerate its AI capabilities. The report draws on comparative insights from the rapid AI scale-up in the UAE and provides practical guidance for governments, investors, and enterprises developing sovereign-aligned AI ecosystems. To download the report, click here.
Core42 will begin formal operations in Dublin in early 2026, with plans to expand engineering, customer success, and partner ecosystem teams throughout the year.
Garmin has announced it has been honoured with five CES 2026 Innovation Awards for groundbreaking achievements in technology across various categories. The CES Innovation Awards program, presented annually by the Consumer Technology Associations (CTA), recognised several Garmin smartwatches – the fēnix 8 Pro -MicroLED, Venu® 4 and Forerunner® 970 – along with the Blaze™ Equine Wellness System and the Descent™ S1 Diver Communication Buoy ahead of CES 2026.
“These honours highlight Garmin’s ongoing commitment to redefine what is possible for consumers around the globe. From introducing the world’s first MicroLED smartwatch display to pioneering advancements in equine and dive technology and creating next-generation wellness and running smartwatches with innovative health and fitness features, Garmin continues to set the standard for innovation in consumer technology.”
–Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing
The award-winning Garmin products and their respective categories include:
The brightest smartwatch ever, this multisport GPS smartwatch has a first-of-its-kind MicroLED display, plus it was the first smartwatch with inReach® technology for satellite and LTE connectivity1.
To support overall well-being, this advanced smartwatch includes innovative features like health status, lifestyle logging and more to help users track trends and see how lifestyle choices affect their health.
This premium GPS running and triathlon smartwatch features a bright AMOLED display, built-in LED flashlight and enhanced navigation plus advanced training and recovery features.
Designed specifically for horses, this easy-to-use tail wrap and sensor gives riders and trainers real-time insights and data, including heart rate, into their horse’s health and fitness.
Track, monitor and communicate with those above and below the surface with the revolutionary Descent S1 buoy that helps strengthen diver communication and advances dive safety technology.
CES 2026 will take place Jan. 6-9 in Las Vegas, Nevada, where Garmin will showcase these products and much more in booth #3453 in the LVCC West Hall.
Husqvarna Group, a global leader in robotic lawn care, is accelerating its innovation journey with the launch of seven robotic lawnmowers featuring AI Vision and night-time operation cameras. This expansion marks a key milestone in the Group’s leadership in intelligent, low-carbon lawn care solutions for both residential and professional users.
“AI Vision is a scalable technology platform that powers smarter, more adaptive lawn care across our entire portfolio, enabling innovative, robust solutions for both residential and commercial use. Our products are built to last, and with the new AI Vision technology, we add capabilities that open possibilities not seen before”, says Glen Instone, CEO of Husqvarna Group.
There will be new residential robotic mowers from Gardena and Husqvarna, featuring advanced camera-led AI navigation for wire-free installation, precise edge detection, and smart obstacle avoidance. Covering gardens from 400 m² to 7,500 m², these models deliver high adaptability and robust performance, including night-time IR camera on these new Husqvarna Automower NERA models.
For professional users, Husqvarna unveils the Automower 540 EPOS, a robust solution for facilities up to 8,000 m². It is compatible with the new AI Vision accessory launching in 2026, which also extends to three previously launched AI Vision ready EPOS models.
“With the addition of the Automower 540 EPOS to this season’s successful lineup, we’re expanding our range to meet the needs of even more users. Equipped with AI Vision and night-time IR cameras, these models bring new levels of flexibility and productivity to our customers”, says Glen Instone, CEO of Husqvarna Group.
Since pioneering the world’s first robotic lawnmower in 1995, Husqvarna Group has remained the undisputed market leader in robotic lawn care. The Group offers robotic lawnmowers for both residential and professional users, catering to lawns between 400 m2 to more than 50,000 m2.
“We are continuing our product development and look forward to communicate more innovations for the upcoming season”, says Glen Instone.
In a world where financial uncertainty is more of the rule than the exception, it has never been more important to keep your money under control. Whether you need to manage an ever-increasing cost of living, are trying to pay off debt, or simply want to save something worthwhile, knowing where your money goes every day could be the key to success. This is where budgeting apps come into play. Many of these innovative solutions are made possible through expert Mobile App Development Services, ensuring seamless functionality and user experience. By 2026, these online applications will no longer be a luxury, but a game changer. A budgeting app with intelligent capabilities, such as predictive spending, real-time tracking, and personal insights, is no longer a privilege, but the smartest financial step. Here’s why.
The Rise of the Budgeting App
Budgeting over the last decade has evolved as it has transitioned to more advanced digital tools that can fit in your pocket. Budgeting app help people to regain control as financial challenges become more complex, such as fluctuating incomes, increasing costs, and an overload of subscriptions. These apps are not only spending trackers, but they also assist users in planning, creating better habits, and feeling financially confident. The following are the reasons why they are gaining popularity.
Manual Tracking and Automation
Conventional tools, such as spreadsheets and notebooks, are cumbersome because they require regular updates, and people often lack the discipline to keep them up to date. Budgeting apps do it automatically by connecting directly to bank accounts and keeping track of incomes, expenditures, and savings without any effort on the part of the user.
Real-Time Smarter Money Insights
In contrast to fixed budgets, budgeting applications provide you with real-time information that changes according to your financial habits. They can remind you when you are spending too much, recommend improved spending habits and even predict future bills, so you know what to do right away.
A Tool to Every Financial Personality
It does not matter whether you are a hard-core saver or simply do not want to spend money on coffee anymore, you can customize the budgeting app your way. They suit any lifestyle, offering features such as daily spending limits, savings goals, and expense categories.
What Makes a Budgeting App Truly Useful?
Not every budgeting app is the same. Many promise to help you save more or spend smarter, but few do so in a way that is easy, personal, and sustainable. The best budgeting apps not only do the math, but they help you make smarter decisions, form better habits and gain actual financial confidence. What are some of the characteristics that you need to consider in a budgeting app that will actually work?
The best budgeting applications don’t force templates. Instead, they let you establish budgets based on your income patterns, priorities, and goals, such as matching a bi-weekly paycheck, budgeting for freelance revenue, or making a joint household budget.
It should link to your bank accounts and credit cards to automatically track your income and expenses. No manual entry, missing receipts, or guessing where your money is going, just a real-time view.
Conclusion
With the new financial difficulties, you cannot manage your expenses without a budgeting app. They offer new ways to manage costs, plan, and cultivate healthier habits that require less effort. With predicted spending, daily restrictions, and smart insights, these apps show that smart money management is achievable and easier than ever.
Axelspace Corporation (“Axelspace”), which designs, manufactures and operates microsatellites, and conducts business to promote a society where space is accessible to people around the world, today announced plans to launch seven next-generation Earth observation microsatellites, “GRUS-3,” in 2026. This will expand the company’s microsatellite constellation to include more than ten satellites, enabling observation of broader areas with increased frequency.
Axelspace aims to meet growing demand across a wide range of fields, including environmental protection, financial product development, and real estate management, in addition to precision agriculture, forest monitoring, and map creation, to promote use of Earth observation data.
GRUS-3 will build upon Axelspace’s existing constellation of five microsatellites, “GRUS-1,” which provides services to government agencies and private companies in more than 30 countries worldwide.
The seven GRUS-3 microsatellites will capture images of the Earth’s surface at the same location and nearly the same time every day for locations north of 25 degrees latitude, under stable sunlight conditions year-round from a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 585 km. Each satellite has an effective swath of 28.3 km and a maximum capture length of 1,356km. With a combined daily capture capacity of 2.3 million km² across seven satellites, and our unique tasking capabilities that enables targeted area imaging, Axelspace supports timely information gathering and decision-making.
GRUS-3 satellites feature a spatial resolution (GSD) of 2.2 meters. In addition to capturing visible light, these are equipped with sensors capable of monitoring plant growth conditions, coastal seaweed beds and landscape.
Yuya Nakamura, President and CEO of Axelspace Corporation, said, “With the launch of seven GRUS-3 microsatellites, we will be able to observe a wider area more frequently than ever before. By adopting new observation equipment, the image quality will be improved compared to GRUS-1. We will provide enhanced services to our existing customers and continue developing solutions to meet emerging needs, further expanding the use of space.”
Axelspace also plans to launch a microsatellite “GRUS-3α” no earlier than June 2025 to verify the performance of the versatile satellite platform, a standardized platform for satellite function and structure across diverse missions, and the telescope used in GRUS-3.
About GRUS-3
Number of satellites: 7
Name: GRUS-3A/3B/3C/3D/3E/3F/3G
Satellite wet mass: Approximately 150kgSatellite envelope: 96cm x 78cm x 126cm
Spatial resolution: 2.2m
Effective swath: 28.3km
Maximum capture length: 1,356km
Band: Panchromatic, Coastal Blue, Blue, Green, Red, Red edge, Near infrared
Orbit altitude: 585km
Orbit type: Sun-synchronous
About GRUS-3α
Name: GRUS-3α
Satellite wet mass: Approximately 150kg
Satellite envelope: 96cm x 78cm x 126cm
Orbit altitude: 585km
Orbit type: Sun-synchronous
Launch details for GRUS-3α
Date: No earlier than June 2025
Site: Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, USA
Vehicle: Falcon 9
Mission: Transporter-14
Launch Provider: SpaceX
To host the missions of GRUS-3 and GRUS-3α, Axelspace’s General-purpose (Versatile) satellite bus is based on results obtained from the following projects subsidized by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).
Development and Demonstration of General-Purpose CubeSat and Microsatellite Buses (FY2023- 2026)
*This project is implemented by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry from FY2021 to FY2022
About GRUS
GRUS is a series of optical Earth observation microsatellites, each weighing 100 kg-class, developed for Axelspace’s Earth observation business, AxelGlobe. The first satellite of GRUS-1 was launched in December 2018, followed by 4 satellites in March 2021, bringing the current total to five satellites in orbit. The name “GRUS” comes from the constellation Grus to symbolize the way satellites orbit the Earth like a flock of cranes.
About Axelspace
With the vision of “Space within Your Reach,” we have been pioneering the development of microsatellites since our founding in 2008. We have two businesses: AxelLiner, where we develop and operate microsatellites for customers’ space missions, and AxelGlobe, where we provide Earth observation data through our proprietary optical satellite constellation. Leveraging our unique technology in microsatellite design, manufacturing, and in-orbit operations, we offer solutions to meet the needs in a variety of industries. Through these businesses, we aim to create a society where space is accessible to people around the world.
