German Orbital Systems

German Orbital Systems, founded in 2014 as a spin-off from the Technical University of Berlin, is a German company specializing exclusively in the design, manufacturing, and operation of CubeSat platforms. They provide turnkey solutions for space missions, offering a range of standardized 3U, 6U, and 12U platforms – including the D-STAR ONE, RAVEN, and SLOT – tailored to customer needs. Their core business focuses on providing affordable and rapidly deployable satellite solutions, leveraging a “new space” philosophy centered around Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) components and modular design.

Key technological capabilities include software-defined core systems with redundant configurations, advanced autonomous scheduling for payload optimization, and flexible payload handling via dedicated interface controllers. Platforms feature active Attitude and Orbit Control Systems (AOCS), S and X/S band data downlink capabilities, and power options up to 164W, with optional add-ons like deployable solar panels and propulsion modules. German Orbital Systems highlights a particularly agile approach, capable of delivering a satellite ready for launch within six months of contract signature.

To date, the company has launched 11 satellites and accumulated over 600 hours of operational experience. They cater to a diverse customer base including those pursuing Earth observation, student projects, scientific experiments, in-orbit verification, and ADS-B applications. Notably, they offer a shared resource platform, “GROOVE,” allowing up to 10 users to share the resources of a 3U CubeSat, significantly reducing costs and serving as a proof-of-concept for potential customers. German Orbital Systems positions itself as an ideal partner for first-time tech demonstrators and those launching small constellations with novel payloads, focusing on de-risking early-stage commercial viability.