TU Dresden’s captis.space presents VLEO control-surface research at IAC 2025 Sydney
At the 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2025) in Sydney (29 Sep–3 Oct), captis.space from TU Dresden’s Institute of Aerospace Engineering presented new results on “Innovative configuration of external control surfaces for attitude and orbit keeping of nanosatellites in very low earth orbit.” We introduced a dedicated aerodynamic control-flap system for VLEO (~250 km) that delivers higher peak control torques, avoids reaction-wheel desaturation, and preserves internal volume. Ground tests and simulations (HWM14, JB2008, NRLMSISE-00) indicate promising accuracy. The work feeds directly into V-LOG on the path to CDR. Paper: IAC-25,D1,2,3,x100543. Slides/preprint available on request.
Captis launches “V-LOG: Very Low Orbital Glider” with DLR support
captis.space at TU Dresden’s Institute of Aerospace Engineering has received three-year support from DLR for V-LOG: Very Low Orbital Glider, a VLEO CubeSat platform advancing to Phase C. The mission targets ~250 km altitude and pioneers an ADCS based on differential drag with predictive maneuver planning, complemented by commercially available thrusters. Building on student-led research in rarefied-flow particle–surface interactions, V-LOG aims at atmosphere characterization and technology demonstration while training students and PhDs in end-to-end spacecraft design. Learn more and get in touch on the project website.
CAPTIS carried out Successful Test Campaign
CAPTIS has completed its first major test campaign, marking progress toward operating CubeSats in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO). By studying how incoming atmospheric particles interact with control surfaces—a key for aerodynamic attitude control—the team exposed materials to hypersonic flow in a VLEO simulation chamber. The results will refine simulations and control algorithms, moving CAPTIS closer to VLEO operations.
Pioneering Aerodynamic Attitude Control for VLEO CubeSats
Our aerodynamic attitude control system for VLEO CubeSats earned us the LABX and FOSTER grants. With this support, we were able to successfully test the attitude control over an extended period, confirming its reliability. We’re now preparing for further evaluations in simulated space conditions to advance our project to the next stage.