What Gran Systems does

Gran Systems is a Taiwan-headquartered space and precision manufacturing company founded in 2008, operating across three business lines: CubeSat systems, space testing equipment, and contract manufacturing for adjacent industries. The company designs and manufactures CubeSat structures spanning 1U to 16U form factors, MyPOD deployers, and an integrated CubeSat Bus that incorporates the R2D3 deorbit device developed in partnership with Orbotic Systems to help customers satisfy FCC 5-year deorbit rules. Its space testing equipment portfolio includes thermal vacuum chambers and 3D Helmholtz coils used for magnetic calibration and qualification of small satellites.

The company has cumulatively delivered over 100 CubeSat structures and 50+ MyPOD test pods, and supports 46+ satellite missions. Beyond space hardware, Gran runs a precision-manufacturing operation producing 40,000 semiconductor heat sinks per year and provides engineering and contract-manufacturing services to the medical device industry, using its CNC and thermal-management capabilities as a second revenue pillar. Customers span commercial space operators, universities and research institutions, and government agencies. Gran maintains its headquarters in Taoyuan City with manufacturing in Zhongli (Taiwan), and operates sales/engineering offices in Houston, Texas and Europe, positioning itself as a regional gateway for Taiwan and Southeast Asia into the global CubeSat supply chain. The company received NASA recognition in 2021 (Small Satellite website) and was featured in NASA's 2024 Small Satellite Technology State of the Art Report; it is privately held with no parent company and has not disclosed external funding rounds.

Name

Gran Systems

Legal name

Gran Systems

Website

https://gransystems.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Gran Systems is a Taiwan-based space and precision manufacturing company founded in 2008 that designs CubeSat structures, deployers, and integrated buses alongside thermal vacuum chambers and semiconductor heat sinks, serving commercial space, academic, and government customers globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

CubeSat and Small Satellite Hardware Manufacturing

NAICS

Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414), Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336419), Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511)

SIC

Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760), Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Instruments For Meas & Testing Of Electricity & Elec Signals (3825)

akta.pro primary industry

Space Structures, Mechanisms & Thermal Control (IMABACAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Spacecraft Avionics, Flight Computers & Software (IMABACAI), Space Logistics & In-Orbit Servicing (Refueling, Tug, Debris Removal) (IMABACAM)

Keywords

• CubeSat manufacturing
• Small satellite structures
• Space testing equipment
• Satellite launch services
• Space education programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Taoyüan

HQ country

Taiwan

HQ region

Asia

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Hardware Products (CubeSat Structures, Buses, MyPOD Deployers): Gran Systems designs and manufactures CubeSat structures (1U-16U), CubeSat bus platforms, and MyPOD series test pods/deployers. These are sold as one-time hardware purchases to universities, research institutions, and commercial clients. The company has delivered 100+ CubeSat structures and 50+ test pods supporting 46+ satellite missions.
2. Testing Services: Provides thermal vacuum, vibration, and EMC testing services to validate space systems and components for mission readiness. Also offers 3D Helmholtz coil testing and 24-hour TVAC testing programs for CubeSat and micro-satellite form factors.
3. Satellite Launch Services: Facilitates access to space by helping customers find launch vehicles through relationships with SpaceX, PSLV, European launch providers, and others. Aggregates CubeSat missions and arranges launch from SSO, ISS, and beyond.
4. Space Experiments in Microgravity: Facilitates experiments in space including nanolabs, zero-G flights, microgravity research, and lunar missions. Invites commercial entities and academic institutions to rent space-in-space for experimental applications.
5. Space Education Programs: Offers space-based educational programs including 1U CubeSat Educational Kits, experiment kits with astronauts, KIBO Robot Programming Challenge, and AI Space Challenge for schools and universities.
6. System Integration and Think Tank: Provides system integration services and business advisory including industry market analysis reports, policy implementation, and corporate governance for selected customers, industries, and governments.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Gran Systems designs, manufactures, and supplies CubeSat structures (1U to 16U, aluminum and carbon fiber, Cal Poly standards), integrated CubeSat bus platforms including the R2D3 variant with built-in deorbit drag device for FCC 5-year compliance, and MyPOD series deployers/test pods for qualification, acceptance testing, and transportation. The company also provides space-environment testing equipment (thermal vacuum chambers, 3D Helmholtz coils), satellite launch aggregation services, space experiments and microgravity research facilitation, space education programs (including the 1U Educational CubeSat Kit), and system integration/think tank advisory services for the new space, semiconductor equipment, and medical device industries.

Product overview

Gran Systems offers a comprehensive portfolio of CubeSat-related products and space industry services. The core product line centers on CubeSat Structures (1U to 16U) and MyPOD Deployers/Test Pods for qualification, testing, and deployment. Supporting these are integrated CubeSat Bus platforms including the R2D3 variant with built-in deorbit capabilities for regulatory compliance. The company also provides specialized testing equipment (Thermal Vacuum Chambers, 3D Helmholtz Coils) for space environment simulation. Educational offerings include the 1U Educational CubeSat Kit. Beyond hardware, services span satellite launch facilitation, space experiments, design and manufacturing with CNC capabilities, system integration, and a think tank for business advisory. Additional diversified products include water filtration components, absorbent cloths, and airport runway friction testers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MyPOD: CubeSat deployer and test fixture product line, supporting qualification, acceptance testing, fit-checks, storage and transportation of CubeSats. Available in 3U, 6U, and 12U configurations.
• R2D3
• D3

Products and services

• CubeSat Structures Mass-produced CubeSat structural frames available in 1U, 1.5U, 2U, 3U, 4U, 6U, 8U, 12U, and 16U sizes with slide rails on all four sides adhering to Cal Poly CubeSat Standards. Carbon fiber options available for 3U and larger for reduced weight, increased strength, and improved thermal expansion resistance compared to aluminum. Used by universities, researchers, and commercial clients building CubeSat missions.
• MyPOD Deployers and Test Pods Versatile CubeSat test pods and deployers for qualification, acceptance testing, dimensional fit-check, storage, and transportation. Available in 3U, 6U, and 12U configurations. Supports ground testing including vibration, shock, and thermal vacuum tests, and similar deployers are designed for launching CubeSats on orbit. Used by CubeSat teams preparing for launch.
• CubeSat Bus Platform Scalable integrated CubeSat platform from 1U to 16U with onboard computer (OBC), efficient power systems with solar panels and batteries, optional image processing board, and electric propulsion integration. Used as the avionics backbone for CubeSat missions supporting commercial and academic clients.
• R2D3 CubeSat Bus with Deorbit Drag Device Reentry-ready CubeSat bus with integrated deorbit drag device (D3) for FCC 5-year end-of-life compliance, enabling passive deorbiting from altitudes up to 700 km without propulsion systems. Available in 3U to 16U configurations. Used by LEO CubeSat operators requiring space debris regulatory compliance.
• 1U Educational CubeSat Kit Complete educational CubeSat kit for universities and schools with fully functional electronics, solar panels, and transparent side panel for observing internal workings. Includes all components needed to assemble a real CubeSat. Designed for university-level courses, middle school, and high school STEM programs as a hands-on space technology learning resource.
• Thermal Vacuum Chamber Space environment simulation equipment featuring heating plate with temperature range from -20°C to 150°C with PID-controlled ramp/soak profiles, ultimate pressure below E-5 Torr, and high vacuum achieved in approximately 30 minutes. Used to validate space systems and components for mission readiness, including vibration, shock, and thermal vacuum testing for CubeSats.
• 3D Helmholtz Coil Magnetic Field Tester Three-axis Helmholtz coil equipment for magnetic field testing of CubeSats up to 12U, with controllable magnetic field in all axes, air flotation test platform, and measurement region of 40 x 42.5 x 45 cm. Used for attitude determination and control validation of CubeSats before launch.
• Plasma Vacuum System Design Services Plasma system design and troubleshooting services including vacuum system failure analysis, modification, and temperature uniformity studies. Used by semiconductor process equipment manufacturers requiring plasma/vacuum system design expertise and process optimization.
• Water Filtration Components Water filtration systems designed for various industrial and residential applications to filter contaminants and ensure clean water. Distributed via the company's product catalog.
• Absorbent Industrial Cloth Durable wipes designed to efficiently absorb oils, fuels, and industrial liquids for quick and safe spill management. Distributed via the company's product catalog.
• Airport Runway Friction Tester Equipment for airport runway and highway friction measurement offered in collaboration with European equipment providers. Used by airport operators and highway authorities.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100+ CubeSat structures and 50+ test pods delivered globally
• +4 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• SpaceXcoreTechnology or Integration · 26 November 2022SpaceX serves as the launch provider for Gran Systems' CubeSat missions, including the CRS-26 mission aboard SpaceX Falcon 9 to ISS orbit on November 26, 2022, and SpaceX SSO orbit deployments. The company offers MyPOD series deployers optimized for SpaceX Falcon 9 performance.
• Orbotic SystemscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGran Systems partnered with Orbotic Systems to enhance space sustainability through the development of a deorbit drag device (R2D3). This partnership addresses FCC end-of-life 5-year regulations for CubeSat deorbiting, providing a cost-effective passive deorbiting solution from altitudes up to 700 km without propulsion systems.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• NanoAvionics: Lithuanian/US smallsat bus manufacturer offering standardized and configurable CubeSat platforms. Comparable to Gran Systems on integrated bus platforms with OBC, power, and propulsion options for commercial constellations.
• EnduroSat: Bulgarian CubeSat platform and structures provider offering 1U-16U buses, deployers, and ground software. Directly comparable to Gran Systems on CubeSat structures, buses, and educational kits targeting universities and commercial customers.
• AAC Clyde Space: UK/Swedish smallsat manufacturer producing CubeSat buses, structures, and subsystems with significant space heritage. Directly comparable on standardized CubeSat platforms and mission services for commercial and government customers.
• ISIS (Innovative Solutions In Space): Dutch CubeSat deployers, structures, and smallsat platform provider. Closest direct competitor to Gran Systems' MyPOD deployer line and standardized CubeSat structure offerings, serving similar university and commercial customers.
• Pumpkin (Pumpkin Space): US-based CubeSat structure and kit manufacturer, including the well-known Pumpkin CubeSat Kit. Direct peer on Cal Poly-compliant CubeSat structures and educational CubeSat kits for universities and hobbyists.
• Blue Canyon Technologies: US-based smallsat manufacturer producing CubeSat buses, components, and turnkey smallsats for commercial and government customers. Overlaps with Gran Systems on integrated bus platforms and precision aerospace manufacturing.
• GomSpace: Danish/Swedish CubeSat bus, structure, and subsystem manufacturer with deep flight heritage. Overlaps with Gran Systems on mass-produced CubeSat structures, integrated buses, and ground testing equipment for academic and commercial missions.

Emerging players

• Swissto12: Swiss smallsat and RF payload manufacturer with 3D-printed satellite structures. Adjacent competitor to Gran Systems in advanced smallsat manufacturing, particularly for radio-frequency payloads and next-generation structures.

Broad incumbents

• York Space Systems: US smallsat prime offering standardized satellite platforms and turnkey constellation services for defense and commercial customers. Competes with Gran Systems for university and government CubeSat/bus awards at higher production volumes.
• Terran Orbital (Tyvak): US smallsat prime (parent of Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems) producing complete CubeSats and smallsat constellations for defense and commercial customers. Broader scope than Gran Systems but competes for the same integrated bus and mission services contracts.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/gran-systems
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/gran-systems

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Gran Systems