Elitegroup’s satellite tech marks major milestone with successful Lilium-2 and Lilium-3 launch

ECS and NCKU’s 6U CubeSats enter low Earth orbit aboard SpaceX Falcon 9, validating Taiwan-developed space electronics and onboard computing technologies

Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS), a long-time leader in embedded systems and motherboard engineering, has taken a significant leap in its space technology ambitions with the successful launch of two satellites—Lilium-2 and Lilium-3—developed in partnership with National Cheng Kung University (NCKU). The CubeSats were carried into a 520-km low Earth orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 2:44 a.m. (Taiwan time) on November 29, 2025.

ECS expands space electronics footprint

The launch marks the latest step in ECS’s expansion into aerospace technologies, following its collaboration with NCKU since 2023 on CubeSat development. Both satellites will conduct various in-orbit technology validations, including Earth imaging, real-time object recognition, inter-satellite communications, Ku-band high-speed transmission, intelligent telemetry edge computing, and tests of vacuum-arc thrusters.

For ECS, the mission is particularly significant due to the debut of its independently developed On-Board Computer (OBC) on the Lilium-3 satellite. Built on a “hosted payload” design, the OBC helps distribute the main satellite’s power load while managing communication between the bus and payload. Successful performance in orbit will provide the system with vital flight heritage, strengthening ECS’s future prospects in commercial space electronics and global collaborations.

Growing demand for ECS space hardware

ECS’s OBCC6M7R high-reliability satellite motherboard, which began receiving orders in late 2024, is also set to support additional domestic and international missions. Both Lilium-2 and Lilium-3 are 6U CubeSats—an increasingly popular form factor for research, commercial applications, and emerging space technologies.

ECS will participate in Lilium-3’s in-orbit testing phase, using operational data to accelerate product maturity and further underline its R&D capabilities in next-generation satellite hardware.

Strengthening Taiwan’s space ambitions

The company said it plans to continue building on its hardware-software integration, product verification strengths, and space electronics design expertise to support more low Earth orbit missions. ECS aims to contribute to Taiwan’s long-term aerospace ambitions by scaling its space-ready technologies and enhancing its role in advanced satellite programs.