Control & Deorbit your spacecraft
Orbotic Systems introduces the Deorbit Drag Device (D3), a propellant-free system for orbital control and end-of-life disposal.
D3 modulates spacecraft drag to control orientation and orbital decay, enabling maneuvering, controlled deorbit, and targeted re-entry. It reduces system complexity while providing a reliable solution for orbital lifecycle management.
- SIMPLE
- Reliable
- Low Cost
- Non-propulsive
REDUCES THE CHALLENGES OF SMALL SPACECRAFT OPERATORS
- Maneuver and deorbit without expensive thrusters.
- Meet FCC '5-year orbital debris rule' compliance.
- Avoid collisions and risk of generating new debris.
- Space traffic management and satellite control.
- Improve ground radar visibility.
- Lower mission cost by reducing complexity.
- Passive system, no explosive risk.
- Fits a wide range of satellite form factors.
- Deorbit as high as 700 km.
- Can be used collectively (contact us for more info).
Small satellites can be deorbited by modulating drag force using D3. Avoid expensive propulsive devices, explosive propellant, or major modifications to the satellite.
D3 is designed to be compliant with the September 2024 FCC rule “…requiring non-geostationary satellite operators to deorbit their satellite after the end of operations to minimize the risk of collisions that would create debris”.
By physically attaching D3 to a host spacecraft prior to flight, a satellite operator could operate in Low Earth Orbit regimes where they normally might not be compliant, due to the recently implemented five-year post-mission disposal rule.
This self-contained product will interface directly onto the CubeSat or small spacecraft with a mere increase in the overall size by 10cm x 10cm x 6.5cm (under 1U cubic form factor.) D3 begins operation via an encrypted end-of-life command, at which time it will utilize the host spacecraft’s power system to deploy its drag surfaces.
Orbotic Systems is flexible and can work with customers to upgrade D3 to provide atmospheric entry targeting, telemetry, and alternative power sources to provide the spacecraft operator with mission flexibility and end-of-mission alternatives.
This product has been functionally tested in a ground environment and was successfully deployed in September 2022 from the International Space Station.
Orbotic Systems is a privately held company based in Thousand Oaks, California. Our vision is to advance human progress in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) with innovative business methods and new technology.