ESA ScaleUp supporting DCUBED for world´s first demonstration of an in space manufactured Solar Array
- World’s first in space manufactured solar array scheduled for SpaceX launch in Feb 2025, paving the way to solve growing power needs of future space applications.
- Gianluigi Baldesi (Head of Ventures & Finance, ESA): “By having the European Space Agency support the first ever in-space 3D printed solar array via the ScaleUp INVEST programme element, we enable an exciting opportunity for a European company to demonstrate a disruptive technology.”
- Thomas Sinn (CEO, DCUBED): “Future space applications hinge on more power provision; Thus, solar arrays are among fastest growing space sectors: +7% p.a., reaching
US$ 20 billion by 2029). DCUBED´s ambition to spearhead new technologies in this sector is now backed by funding of ESA ScaleUp and partnership with Exotrail. Next goals: Product launches in 2025/26 and ramp-up production to one solar array per day in next 5 years.”
Munich, March 20, 2024: DCUBED, the German NewSpace hardware manufacturer, announces the first in orbit demonstration (IOD) of its in space manufactured (ISM) solar array. The project is supported by the European Space Agency’s (ESA) ScaleUp INVEST program and scheduled for launch in February 2025 aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.
The rapid growth of space infrastructure calls for increased power for a growing range of applications, like data processing and transmission or in-orbit transportation and servicing. DCUBED’s in space manufactured solar blanket offers a cost-efficient lightweight solution with the highest power output for its class.
The demonstration will see DCUBED’s ISM Solar Array consisting of an ultrathin solar blanket being rolled out in orbit, while the back structure is 3D printed onto the solar array membrane directly during roll out in space. The DCUBED ISM Solar Array system will be integrated directly into the host spacecraft, reducing mass and weight. Once manufactured, the solar array will produce more than 100W of energy, representing an important stepping stone for future space servicing operations.
The in-orbit demonstration is fostered through ESA’s ScaleUp program, designed to expedite the commercialization of the European space industry and the global scaling-up of private ventures by offering financial funding and technical support. As part of this initiative,
ESA has been invested in DCUBED’s in orbit demonstration. With ESA supporting its first IOD, DCUBED aims to launch its initial ISM solar array products (1kW for smaller satellites or spacetugs) in 2025, followed by more powerful variants (10 kW for spacetugs or larger satellites) in 2026. The successful commercialization of these products will significantly expand the presence of European space companies in the global supply chain for the SmallSat Solar Array market. The space solar array and power market is projected to reach a value of more than $20 billion USD by 2028, with substantial growth at almost 7% compound annual growth rate (CAGR).
“Driving Europe’s competitiveness through commercialization is a top priority for the European Space Agency. By having the European Space Agency support the first ever in-space 3D printed solar array via the ScaleUp INVEST programme element, we enable an exciting opportunity for a European company to demonstrate a disruptive technology. This never seen before in-orbit demonstration will fuel the commercial growth of the space-based solar arrays market worldwide.”
Gianluigi Baldesi, Head of Ventures and Finance, ESA
“Whether it’s about communications, connectivity or transportation and servicing: future space applications hinge on energy sources that must be more powerful than today´s solutions. As a result, solar arrays emerge as one of the fastest-growing space sectors: This is why DCUBED is determined to spearhead this technology with the world’s first ISM solar array. The strong backing from ESA ScaleUp INVEST serves as a testament to our capabilities. Following a successful in-orbit demonstration, our next milestone is to introduce the first ISM solar array product for small satellites in 2025, followed by a more powerful variant in 2026. Our vision is to ramp-up production to more than one ISM solar array per day within the next five years.”
Thomas Sinn, CEO & Founder, DCUBED
In a previous step, DCUBED – in collaboration with the University of Applied Sciences of Munich – had already received record funding from the Bavarian Space Program and the Bavarian Ministry for Economic Affairs in the amount of over $ 1 million for in space manufacturing research in December 2023. This fundamental research program will now be complemented by ESA ScaleUp for operational commercialization.
About DCUBED
DCUBED, a NewSpace company based in Munich, Germany, makes space missions accessible by developing durable and affordable release actuators, solar arrays and deployables. Using patented shape-memory technology and proprietary origami structures, DCUBED’s products are superior in terms of cost, mass and volume, while exhibiting increased reliability, durability and reusability. Serving a global customer base in 18 countries across 4 continents, DCUBED offers immediate product availability due to its European supply chain and is ready to also help you realize cheaper and more frequent space missions. Doing truly big things in space, DCUBED is at the forefront of In Space Manufacturing, by developing technologies to manufacture large structures directly in space.
About ESA ScaleUp
The ESA ScaleUp program is an essential component of the European Space Agency’s dedication to advancing space commercialization for a green and digital Europe, while also fostering the growth of private investment in the space sector. Launched as a 25 M euro pilot programme element in 2023, the ScaleUp INVEST Marketplace accelerates business-to-business transactions, enabling the up-and-coming space leaders of Europe to grow their operations and rise to the next level in new and emerging markets in a sustainable way.
Press Contact
Lauro Gabriel Hining
B2P Communications Consulting
+49 160 975 253 42 / lgdesouzahining@b2p-communications.com
