Cubesats Companies

Technical University of Munich Space

Munich, Germany academic

Technical University of Munich Space (TUM Space) is a research and academic group within the Technical University of Munich, founded in 2016. The organization focuses on the development of cubesats and broader space technology. While specific project details aren't readily available from the provided information, TUM Space operates as a platform for hands-on experience and innovation in the space sector, likely involving student and faculty participation. TUM’s extensive catalog of degree programs, including Bachelor's and Master's programs in Aerospace Engineering, and related fields like Bioeconomy and Automotive Engineering, suggests a strong academic foundation supporting its space-focused activities. This indicates a capability to integrate space technology development with broader engineering and scientific disciplines. The university’s overall emphasis on research and entrepreneurship, highlighted by its designation as an “Entrepreneurial University,” positions TUM Space to potentially translate research outcomes into practical applications and foster future space industry talent. While customer or mission details aren’t provided, the organization’s structure suggests a focus on internal research and development, and potentially collaborative projects with other academic institutions or industry partners.

Interorbital Systems is a privately held American rocket company founded in 1996 by Roderick (Rod) and Randa Milliron and based at the Mojave Air and Space Port in Mojave, California. The company has spent almost three decades developing the modular NEPTUNE family of orbital launch vehicles, built around a Common Propulsion Module (CPM) — a cluster of small liquid-oxygen/densified-propane rocket engines, each producing roughly 4,500 lbf of thrust — that can be grouped in different quantities to scale the rocket's payload capacity; related TRITON and TRITON HEAVY variants have also been proposed. Alongside the launch vehicle work, Interorbital sells low-cost 'TubeSat' and 'CubeSat' personal satellite kits to schools, hobbyists and research groups, intended to be flown as rideshare payloads once NEPTUNE or a partner vehicle is available; the company has used ISRO and JAXA rideshare opportunities to fly some customer payloads, and also developed the suborbital NEUTRINO and TACHYON sounding rockets. Interorbital served as the launch-vehicle partner for Team Synergy Moon in the Google Lunar X Prize, and earlier competed for the Ansari X Prize and America's Space Prize. Despite multiple announced static-fire and suborbital test campaigns dating back to the 2000s, Interorbital Systems has not yet completed an orbital launch; as of October 2023 NEPTUNE, TRITON and TRITON HEAVY remained in development, with the company reporting around a dozen employees as of 2017. The company continues to operate from Mojave.

ASPINA

Tokyo, Japan commercial

ASPINA is a Japanese technology company founded in 1918 with a diversified portfolio, now including a growing presence in the space industry. While historically focused on movement solutions for automotive, health & wellness, and life environment applications – encompassing motors, drivers, actuators, and blower/compressor systems – ASPINA is actively developing products for the small satellite market. Specifically, the company offers its ARW series of reaction wheels designed for CubeSats and other small spacecraft, focusing on balancing quality, cost, and delivery. A key technological focus appears to be miniaturization and performance in motion control, demonstrated by their development of compact and lightweight components. This is highlighted by the recent launch of an ASPINA Space Blower to the International Space Station, showcasing their ability to deliver technology for demanding space environments. Furthermore, ASPINA has entered into a sponsored research agreement with Kyushu Institute of Technology to further advance its space technology capabilities. ASPINA’s market position in the space sector is currently centered on providing essential components to the growing small satellite industry. While a relatively new entrant, the company leverages decades of experience in precision motor and movement control technologies from other sectors to offer competitive solutions. Their participation in events like the Small Satellite Conference indicates a commitment to establishing themselves as a reliable supplier in this market.

ASTROFEIN

Berlin, Germany commercial

ASTROFEIN, founded in 1993 and based in Berlin, Germany, is a specialized aerospace company focused on the design, manufacture, and testing of high-precision components and systems for the space industry. The company’s core product lines center around reaction wheels and CubeSat deployers, serving the growing small satellite market. ASTROFEIN maintains full in-house capabilities, from engineering and production to environmental simulation and product qualification, and is certified to both DIN EN ISO 9001:2015 and DIN EN 9100:2018 standards. ASTROFEIN is recognized as a world market leader in reaction wheels, providing intelligent systems for precise and reliable attitude control of satellites in orbit. Complementing this, their PicoSatellite Launcher (PSL) is a patented CubeSat deployment mechanism capable of safely transporting and ejecting satellites ranging in size from 1U to 16U. This focus on both attitude control and deployment positions ASTROFEIN as a key supplier for complete small satellite solutions. The company has a demonstrated history of innovation and quality, evidenced by awards including the ESA Space Spin-off Award (2012) and the Bavarian State Prize (awarded in 2010 & 2011), as well as being a Lilienthal Prize winner in 2010. While specific customer details are not publicly available, these accolades and product offerings suggest a strong position within the European and international space industry.

CalPoly CubeSat Lab

San Luis Obispo, United States academic

The Cal Poly CubeSat Lab, established in 1999 at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is a leading research and academic institution focused on small satellite technology. Notably, Cal Poly is a co-inventor of the CubeSat standard, a widely adopted specification for miniaturized satellites. The lab’s core activities center around the development and advancement of CubeSat technology, contributing to the broader small satellite ecosystem. The lab’s influence extends beyond research through its annual CubeSat Developers Workshop, a prominent conference attracting over 500 industry professionals, developers, and students. This workshop serves as a vital platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and the advancement of CubeSat technologies. Cal Poly also actively supports new entrants to the field, evidenced by resources like the NASA CubeSat Launch Initiative materials and introductory guides for first-time developers. Cal Poly’s involvement in initiatives like the Spanish Small Satellite International Forum, the UN Access to Space for All Initiative, and the IAF-CSA Space Universities CubeSat Challenge demonstrates its commitment to international collaboration and fostering the next generation of space professionals. While specific missions or commercial customers are not detailed, the lab’s foundational role in the CubeSat standard and its ongoing educational and outreach efforts position it as a key driver of innovation and accessibility within the small satellite market.

Cervos Space is a Turkish nanosatellite manufacturer and space systems company founded in 2020, developing configurable CubeSat and nanosatellite platforms with in-house subsystem design, assembly, integration and testing (AIT), and technical support services — contributing to Turkey's emerging commercial space sector alongside established state entities like TÜBITAK UZAY and the Turkish Space Agency (TUA). Cervos Space's core product line comprises nanosatellite bus platforms in standard CubeSat form factors (3U, 6U, 12U, and larger) with standardized PC/104 or CubeSat Standard mechanical and electrical interfaces accommodating customer payloads. In-house subsystem development includes onboard computers (OBC) built on ARM Cortex-M or Cortex-A processors with radiation-tolerant memory configurations, electrical power systems (EPS) with multi-channel MPPT solar charge controllers and lithium-ion battery management, UHF/VHF radio transceivers for standard amateur frequency TT&C links, and modular structural frames in 6061 aluminum alloy compatible with standard deployer ejectors (ISILaunch, Nanoracks). Beyond platform hardware, Cervos offers full mission support services: requirements definition and feasibility studies, payload integration engineering, RF link budget analysis, ground station coordination, and on-orbit operations support — positioning itself as a one-stop shop for Turkish academic institutions, startups, and defense-adjacent organizations entering the small satellite market for the first time. Turkey's space ambitions are codified in the National Space Program (2021-2031) announced by TUA, targeting indigenous satellite manufacturing, geostationary communications satellite production, and lunar mission participation. TÜBITAK UZAY (the Scientific and Technological Research Council's space division in Ankara) leads government R&D, while Türksat operates GEO communications satellites. Roketsan is developing launch vehicles. Cervos operates in the commercial hardware supply layer — building the CubeSat buses that Turkish universities and commercial operators need as the ecosystem matures. Domestic competitors include Uydu Teknolojileri, while international competition comes from GomSpace (Denmark), AAC Clyde Space (UK), and NanoAvionics (Lithuania).

Comat Aerospace

Flourens, France commercial

Comat Aerospace, founded in 2000 and based in Flourens, France, is a company specializing in the development of propulsion systems for small satellites. The company focuses on both cold gas and environmentally friendly (“green”) propulsion solutions, catering to the growing demand for efficient and sustainable in-space maneuvering capabilities. Comat positions itself as a European provider of CubeSat propulsion modules, indicating a focus on the small satellite market segment. Comat’s core competency lies in the design and manufacturing of these propulsion systems, offering solutions for attitude control, orbit maintenance, and orbital maneuvers for small spacecraft. While specific technological details are limited in publicly available information, the emphasis on “green propulsion” suggests a commitment to utilizing propellants with reduced environmental impact compared to traditional hydrazine-based systems. Currently, information regarding specific missions or notable customers is not readily available. However, the company’s longevity – operating since 2000 – and stated position within a technological ecosystem suggest established relationships and a history of providing flight instruments and equipment. Comat Aerospace differentiates itself by focusing specifically on the small satellite propulsion market within Europe. This specialization allows them to cater to the unique needs of CubeSat and small satellite operators, providing tailored solutions for a rapidly expanding sector of the space industry.

EnduroSat AD

Sofia, Bulgaria commercial

EnduroSat AD is a Bulgarian NewSpace company founded in 2015, specializing in the design, manufacture, and operation of small satellites and CubeSat platforms. The company positions itself as a provider of accessible space services, aiming to democratize access to space data traditionally limited to large governmental and corporate entities. EnduroSat offers both complete satellite solutions and individual satellite subsystems/modules, allowing for flexible integration into various mission profiles. A key differentiator for EnduroSat appears to be its focus on software-defined satellites and modularity, evidenced by the claim of over 3000 modules currently in orbit. This approach allows for adaptable and scalable solutions for clients. As of late 2025, the company has delivered over 120 satellites and downlinked over 200 TB of data, demonstrating operational flight heritage. Notably, EnduroSat has partnered with IBM and Red Hat on the EnduroSat Platform project, with satellites launched in 2022 and maintaining over 23 months of in-orbit operation as of the latest reporting. EnduroSat currently serves a growing customer base of over 400 clients and is actively scaling production with new funding and a dedicated space center. The company’s innovations have been recognized in a NASA State of the Art Report, further validating its technological capabilities. Through its focus on modularity, accessibility, and demonstrated flight heritage, EnduroSat is establishing itself as a significant player in the European small satellite market, offering a compelling alternative for organizations seeking cost-effective and adaptable space-based solutions.

GAUSS Srl

Rome, Italy commercial

GAUSS Srl is an Italian space company founded in 2012 as a spin-off from the Scuola di Ingegneria Aerospaziale at the University of Rome “Sapienza.” The company builds upon over ten years of academic tradition in microsatellite development, transitioning from a primarily educational focus to an innovative commercial entity. GAUSS Srl specializes in the design, manufacturing, and operation of small satellites, including CubeSats, and related space systems. Currently, GAUSS is engaged in a diverse portfolio of projects, including the development of innovative launch technologies like the AD ASTRA ramjet engine program and the SIMONA ship-based launch system, as well as in-space technologies such as the DEOS deorbiting solar sail and the COSMO magneto-thruster for orbit control, developed in collaboration with the Italian Space Agency (ASI). They are also working on hybrid rocket stages (MIUS) to improve mission flexibility. Notably, GAUSS Srl claims to be the first Italian company to launch nine different satellites, demonstrating a consistent track record of successful space missions. The company leverages a strong foundation in academic research and a collaborative network with institutions like the Scuola di Ingegneria Aerospaziale and ASI, positioning itself as a key player in the growing Italian small satellite market and offering solutions for both launch capabilities and in-space servicing.