D3 (Deorbit Drag Device)

The D3 (Deorbit Drag Device) is a propellant-free orbital control system that modulates spacecraft drag to control orientation and orbital decay, enabling maneuvering, controlled deorbit, and targeted re-entry. Housed in a sub-1U form factor (10cm x 10cm x 6.5cm), D3 is a simple, low-cost, non-explosive, passive system compatible with a range of satellite form factors, and can deorbit spacecraft from altitudes up to 700 km. It is activated via an encrypted end-of-life command drawing on host spacecraft power, and supports compliance with orbital debris regulations such as the FCC’s 5-year deorbit rule. D3 has flight heritage, having been successfully deployed from the International Space Station in September 2022.