Dcubed unveils its ARAQYS-D3 mission, a demonstration featuring a 2kW in-space-manufactured solar array designed for supporting power beaming and directed energy applications built together with Astro Digital, manifested for launch on a SpaceX Rideshare mission targeted for Q1 2027 arranged by Maverick Space Systems.
Bremen, Germany — 18th of November 2025 — Dcubed GmbH, a leader in release actuators, deployable space structures and In-Space Manufacturing (ISM) technologies, today announced its expansion into space-based energy systems with the introduction of ARAQYS — the power solution for space. With ARAQYS, Dcubed is positioning itself as the category leader in delivering affordable, scalable, and unlimited energy in orbit.
After SpaceX, Rocket Lab, and others transformed access to space through lower launch costs and increased capacity, a new generation of in-orbit applications—from data centers, high delta-v transportation and direct-to-device communications to defense constellations—has emerged. Each shares a common challenge: a massive demand for affordable, scalable power.
ARAQYS addresses this by providing a full spectrum of space power solutions—from traditional deployable solar arrays to their proprietary in-space-manufactured kW solar array subsystems, and ultimately to Space Power Plants capable of beaming energy wherever it’s needed. This technology aims to dramatically reduce the cost per kilowatt, laying the groundwork for space infrastructure and directed-energy platforms of the future.
“Dcubed is fully committed to leading the next frontier: power generation in orbit,” said Dr. Thomas Sinn, CEO of Dcubed. “My involvement in a NASA NIAC study on space-based solar power more than 15 years ago set this journey in motion. Since then, we’ve been steadily developing the technologies required to make in-space energy a practical reality. With ARAQYS, we’re now combining those years of innovation into affordable large-scale power solutions designed to meet the demands of the rapidly growing space economy.”
The ARAQYS-D3 Mission: Building the Future of Space Power
As the next step toward this vision, Dcubed announced the ARAQYS-D3 mission, which is manifested for launch in Q1 2027 aboard a SpaceX Rideshare mission. This mission will demonstrate a 2kW in-space-manufactured solar array with combined application cases in power-beaming and directed energy, as well as demonstrating electric-propulsion-enabled high delta-v capabilities.
The ARAQYS-D3 satellite will be built by Astro Digital, a heritage spacecraft bus provider located just a few miles from Dcubed USA’s headquarters in Berthoud, Colorado. This close proximity enables tight collaboration between European and American teams, symbolizing transatlantic cooperation in advancing the next era of space systems.
The launch of ARAQYS-D3 is brokered by Maverick Space Systems, who will also provide launch management and integration services for the satellite. Maverick’s support will help Dcubed streamline the launch process, reduce risk, and allow us to focus on the ARAQYS-D3 mission.
“We’re excited to partner with Dcubed on this groundbreaking mission,” said Chris Biddy, CEO of Astro Digital. “The ARAQYS-D3 satellite will demonstrate how in-space manufacturing and large-scale economic power generation can unlock a new class of small satellites—capable of generating, storing, and transmitting the energy required for the next generation of orbital missions.”
“We’re grateful to be supporting the launch of the ARAQYS-D3 mission,” said Roland Coelho, CEO of Maverick Space. “We see this as just the beginning of a close collaboration with Dcubed on future projects and developments.”
Dr. Sinn added: “It’s an honor to partner with Astro Digital and Maverick. This collaboration brings Europe and the United States closer together, uniting two space ecosystems to shape the future of satellite design and space power delivery.”
The production of the ARAQYS-D3 spacecraft and the ISM solar array will be conducted across Dcubed’s facilities in Munich, Germany, and Berthoud, Colorado, USA, demonstrating the company’s bi-continental production capability and readiness for megawatt-scale manufacturing. The launch integration will be carried out by Maverick Space Systems from San Luis Obispo, California.
Paving the Way: ARAQYS-D1 and ARAQYS-D2
ARAQYS-D3 builds on two precursor missions that are already integrated and ready for launch on two separate SpaceX rideshare missions in Q1 2026:
- Dcubed-1 (internally known as ARAQYS-D1) “BOOM! THERE IT IS”, a 3U satellite that will manufacture a 60 cm ISM boom directly in free space.
- ARAQYS-D2 “WATTS NEW IN SPACE”, which will print and deploy a 1 m-long ISM solar array aboard Exotrail’s next SpaceVan mission.
These demonstrations will validate the building blocks of in-space power generation, paving the way for ARAQYS-D3’s multi-kilowatt-class system.
Scaling the Business
After seven years of building capabilities and delivering over 1,500 flight-proven products to more than 120 customers across four continents, Dcubed is leveraging its deep heritage in deployable mechanisms to power the next phase of orbital industrialization. Dcubed’s Actuators+ business unit continues to serve as a cornerstone, providing flight-proven reliability and financial flexibility as Dcubed expands into in-space energy systems through ARAQYS.
About the Companies
About Astro Digital
From concept to constellation, Astro Digital provides customers with complete space-based systems and mission support services for applications such as Earth observation, satellite communications, ISAM, science, and technology demonstrations.
About Maverick Space Systems
Maverick Space Systems provides cost-effective and responsive end-to-end launch integration solutions. Maverick’s key competencies include mission management, launch deployment hardware, and launch integration services for satellites. The team at Maverick combines industry experience with agility and efficiency to provide their customers with a turnkey service in getting their payloads to orbit.
About Dcubed
Dcubed GmbH is building the foundation for tomorrow’s space industry. From release mechanisms to the deployable and ISM ARAQYS solar arrays, Dcubed’s technologies enable spacecraft to construct, assemble, and power themselves and others directly in orbit. Operating from Munich, Germany, and Berthoud, Colorado, USA, Dcubed’s vision is to deliver affordable, scalable infrastructure that powers space utilization across LEO, the Moon, and beyond.
Media Contact
Thomas Sinn
thomas.sinn@dcubed-space.com
www.dcubed.space / www.araqys.com
