Dcubed: Powering the Future of the New Space Economy

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Satellites going to orbit rely on mechanisms that hold deployable structures in place during launch, then release them on command once in space. Satellites, rovers, solar arrays, antennas, instrument covers, and fine mechanisms all depend on this transition from stowed launch configuration to operational state. Dcubed designs and manufactures two product families for this requirement: non-pyrotechnic Hold-Down Release Mechanisms (HDRMs) and turnkey Solar Arrays. According to Dcubed, the company's hardware has flown on dozens of missions to date and is supplied to more than 140 customers across five continents. By combining off-the-shelf availability with resettable, flight-proven products, Dcubed's products aim to simplify satellite system integration and testing, and accelerate mission timelines.

Technology and Product

Dcubed's HDRMs use patented shape-memory alloy actuators rather than pyrotechnics, producing lower shock at release and allowing the devices to be reset in seconds for repeated ground testing without re-qualification. The product line includes Release Nuts for axial pre-load applications and Pin Pullers for shear-load applications, with multiple sizes covering most satellite classes.

The Solar Array portfolio spans body-mounted panels providing multiple kW of power, rigid-deployable arrays that swing open from the spacecraft body, and the proprietary Origami Solar Array, which is folded at launch and deploys autonomously on orbit. Each array ships as a complete subsystem with solar cells, substrate, and integrated HDRM launch lock. Araqys Power Solutions extend the portfolio into in-space manufacturing with 3D-printed solar arrays that can be built directly in orbit.

Deployable solar arrays unfold in orbit to provide power while minimizing launch volume and mass. (© Dcubed)

Industrial Fit and Applications

Dcubed's hardware is used across Earth observation, telecommunications constellations, ESPA-class spacecraft, lunar landers, interplanetary science, and in-space infrastructure programmes. HDRMs secure and release solar arrays, antennas, booms, and instrument covers, while the solar array line provides power generation across a range of LEO and lunar mission profiles.

Dcubed’s technologies support in-space manufacturing, enabling the production of structural components directly in orbit. (© Dcubed)

Founding Team

Dcubed was founded in 2018 by Dr. Thomas Sinn (CEO), to make space engineering easier and space exploration more accessible. Starting from a two-person team in Munich, the company now employs more than 60 people across sites in Germering, Germany and Berthoud, Colorado, with engineering capabilities spanning mechanical design, materials, electronics, and space systems.