Very Low Orbits,
Very High Performance
Turn the Very Low Earth Orbit into a competitive advantage. Today!
VLEO IS HARD
- High Atmospheric Drag
- Fast Orbital Decay
- Atmospheric Variability
- Corrosive Atomic Oxygen
BUT IT PAYS
- High Optical Resolution
- High Bandwidths
- Better Signal-To-Noise-Ratio
- Lower Cosmic Radiation
OUR SOLUTION:
ADCS
Since conventional control systems quickly saturate under VLEO conditions, we are developing an ADCS that uses differential drag for attitude control.
Off-the-Shelf Propulsion
We use commercially available off-the-shelf electric propulsion to compensate for aerodynamic drag.
Corrosion-Resistant Materials
We use corrosion-resistant materials that do not react with atomic oxygen.
Predictive Control
We use predictive algorithms to forecast atmospheric conditions and to plan control maneuvers.
INTEGRATED INTO OUR CUBESAT PLATFORM:
01
Lifetime
Our Active Drag Control preserves altitude and attitude
results in up to 4 years mission life in VLEO
0.3° pointing stability
lab HIL runs confirm
* depending on exact orbit
02
Low Orbit - High ROI
- 2× higher resolution
- 4× better STNR (optical)
- 16× better STNR (SAR)
- ½ the latency
- more bandwidth with higher frequencies
compared to conventional LEO
03
Seamless Integration
Based on common CubeSat standard (8U)
0,5 – 4U payload bay; payload cage; integration references.
SDK + flight software modules planned; plug-in drivers
04
Credibility
University- and DLR-backed
transparent data, publications
TRL 4 – looking for early pilot partners.
VLEO OPENS UP MANY NEW APPLICATIONS
Direct-To-Device Communication
The future of connectivity: seamless, low-latency links for phones and IoT devices — powered by VLEO satellites.
High Performance on Limited Launch Vehicles
High performance. Low mass. Our technology enables powerful satellites without the need for heavy launchers.
Constellations with Superior Performance
Faster revisits, higher performance, lower costs — VLEO technology brings big-satellite capabilities to small spacecraft
Shells for Broadband Constellations
VLEO satellites perfectly complement existing broadband networks with high-frequency, low-latency, high-bandwidth connectivity.
Backup Space Assets
When LEO gets unusable, VLEO keeps the world connected — providing secure, reliable layers for essential infrastructure.
Atmosphere Science
Understanding the upper atmosphere unlocks deeper insights into Earth’s weather phenomena.
WHAT IS CAPTIS?
Born from a student hobby project, CAPTIS has grown into a DLR-funded mission at the Technical University of Dresden. Our team at the Aerospace Institute is pioneering a new way to build and operate satellites.
As traditional satellites reach their performance and cost limits, we explore a different path – operating in the Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO). By using aerodynamic attitude control, CAPTIS reduces satellite size, cost, and launch time without compromising performance.
Our adaptable simulation software supports any CubeSat configuration, offering maximum payload flexibility.
We are currently looking for a 0.5-4U payload or mission partner to join us in flying.