Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
CubeSat missions (1U‑6U) often lack an integrated, volume‑efficient deorbit capability, making it difficult to meet orbital‑debris mitigation regulations without adding bulky external hardware. The absence of a turnkey solution forces operators to design custom mechanisms, increasing development time, cost, and risk of non‑compliance.
Solution
ASDS Space Technologies offers a TunaCan‑sized deorbit module that combines a deployable dragsail with autonomous avionics in a single, launch‑qualified package. The module fits within the standard CubeSat envelope, allowing direct integration on 1U‑6U platforms without redesigning the satellite bus. Once deployed, the dragsail dramatically increases atmospheric drag, ensuring the satellite re‑enters within regulatory decay timelines. The onboard avionics manage sail deployment, monitor mission status, and provide telemetry to ground stations, delivering a plug‑and‑play deorbit capability. Leveraging heritage from rocket and high‑altitude balloon experiments, the system meets the mechanical and environmental requirements of typical launch providers.
Target Audience
Primary customers are commercial, academic, and government organizations that launch 1U‑6U CubeSats and need a reliable, regulatory‑compliant end‑of‑life deorbit solution.
Features
- TunaCan form factor compatible with standard 1U‑6U CubeSat structures
- Deployable dragsail that expands to create high‑drag surface for rapid orbital decay
- Autonomous avionics that control sail release, monitor health, and transmit deorbit status
- Fully qualified for launch loads based on proven rocket and balloon flight heritage
- Simple electrical and mechanical interface requiring minimal integration effort
- Compliance with common orbital‑debris mitigation rules (e.g., 25‑year decay limit)
- Turnkey package including hardware, software, and documentation for rapid deployment