The delegation was hosted by our CEO and Founder, Dr. Thomas Sinn, together with our U.S. Managing Director Daniel Gillies and the entire Dcubed USA team. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to showcase how Dcubed is actively building a bridge between the German and US space ecosystems—combining engineering excellence, entrepreneurial speed, and a shared vision for the future of space infrastructure.

During the visit, we demonstrated how our teams operate under a fast-iteration approach, rapidly developing, testing, and scaling technologies that are critical for the next generation of space systems. We also showcased our portfolio of COTS release actuators and solar arrays, highlighting how these products form the foundation of our growth. With more than 140 customers worldwide, we are increasingly moving toward deeper vertical integration—working closely with our partners to deliver not just components, but complete, mission-enabling systems. 

This approach is a cornerstone of our ambition to become a leading power provider in space—delivering advanced solutions for power generation, distribution, and ultimately power beaming. 

A key highlight was the presentation of ongoing work at our Colorado site, where the integration of the power generation and power beaming payload for the ARAQYS-D3 mission will take place. This mission represents an important step toward enabling scalable energy infrastructure in orbit, supporting future applications ranging from satellite operations to in-space manufacturing. 

The visit also underscored the strategic importance of close collaboration between Germany and the United States. At Dcubed, we are proud to combine the best of both worlds—leveraging German engineering heritage with the speed and market dynamics of the U.S. space sector. This transatlantic approach is central to our growth and to advancing space technologies on a global scale. 

Reflecting on the visit, Dr. Thomas Sinn emphasized its significance: 

“This visit underscores the strategic relevance of our work across Germany and the United States. Being recognized by the ministry delegation at our Dcubed USA site reinforces our position within the transatlantic space ecosystem. I am excited to further expand this collaboration as we continue building the infrastructure for space.” 

We sincerely thank Dr. Reiter and the entire delegation for their visit and the inspiring exchange. We look forward to deepening this collaboration and continuing to contribute to a strong and innovative transatlantic space partnership. 

“Yes, the technology is complex,” Kyle says. “But the people are deeply engaged, curious, and proud of what they’re building. Conversations go far beyond transactions, they’re about missions, tradeoffs, and long-term goals.”

Coming from sales roles in prop tech, real estate, and healthcare, the difference was clear. The people in space care deeply about their missions and take pride in what they are doing. Space is their life. “The watercooler conversations look completely different at a place like Dcubed,” Kyle says. “Instead of talking about last week’s football game, they’re talking about who’s launching when and what.”

That culture shapes not only how products are built, but also how business gets done.

Speaking Space, Not Just Selling It

Like anyone entering a highly specialized industry, Kyle’s first weeks required rapid immersion. Space conversations move quickly: acronyms, mission architectures, test campaigns, performance data, all part of everyday dialogue.

He approached the learning curve deliberately: targeted coursework, focused self-study, and constant exposure through customer conversations. While his foundation is in sales and business development, Kyle understood early on that succeeding in space would require leaning into his engineering background as well.

It’s that blend, commercial instinct paired with technical fluency, that allows him to operate effectively at Dcubed.

“The goal was always to understand enough to ask the right questions, follow the logic, and engage meaningfully.”

That balance quickly became second nature, enabling more substantive discussions about where Dcubed’s products fit and why they matter.

Engineers Do Not “Buy” The Hype

It became clear quickly that space rewards a different kind of sales approach, one grounded in credibility and thoughtful dialogue.

For Kyle, that wasn’t a shift. His style has always centered on curiosity, education, and building relationships that extend beyond a single transaction. In space, that mindset isn’t just appreciated, it’s expected.

Dcubed’s sales approach reflects that reality. Engineers lead buying decisions. Trust is earned through curiosity, consistency, and respect for the technical process.

“If there’s a strong fit, things move forward naturally. If not, relationships still matter because there’s always another project.” That long term mindset aligns naturally with Dcubed’s culture and product philosophy.

Fast Is Good. Reliable Is Better

One of Kyle’s early highlights underscored what differentiates Dcubed operationally. When Intuitive Machines approached the team with an urgent request and evolving specifications, Dcubed responded with speed and flexibility. The team delivered a full proposal over a single weekend, and within weeks a partnership was in place.

“That moment reinforced another thing customers value about us,” Kyle says. “Responsiveness, clarity, and execution.”

Like the broader space sector, the year also brought external challenges. Events such as the US government shutdown slowed decision making across the market. A reminder that even strong momentum can be affected by factors beyond any single company’s control.

“What matters is how you navigate that reality,” Kyle notes. “Staying close to customers and continuing to build trust in the midst of uncertainty.”

Competing as a NewSpace Company

Dcubed operates in a market with deeply entrenched incumbents, many with decades of flight heritage. That heritage matters, but it isn’t the whole story. “What customers increasingly care about is execution,” Kyle explains. “Speed, adaptability, and collaboration.”

Dcubed’s NewSpace positioning appeals to teams that value momentum and partnership over rigid legacy processes. With growing flight heritage now firmly established, conversations have shifted further toward the value that Dcubed has to offer its customers.

Breaking into locked in designs remains challenging across the industry, which is why relationship building starts early and continues over time.

Looking Ahead

Today, Kyle’s focus is clear: build relationships that outlast individual contracts and contribute to Dcubed’s long term presence in the market.

Success, in his view, isn’t measured only in closed deals, but in becoming a trusted partner within a tightly connected industry.

“In a small community like space, reputation travels,” he says. “When people know you’re thoughtful, reliable, and collaborative, everything else follows.”

At Dcubed, that philosophy isn’t a strategy layered onto sales. It reflects how the company approaches engineering, partnerships, and growth, steadily, deliberately, and with an eye on the long term.

Book a call with Kyle to talk more about Release Actuators and Solar Arrays here.

In an environment where precision and reliability are paramount, even the smallest mechanical components aboard a spacecraft can make or break mission success. That’s why the results of an independent test campaign by Quartus Engineering are welcome news—not just for the space engineers designing sensitive payloads, but also for Dcubed, the German-American company behind the micro release nut actuator at the heart of the study. 

This thorough test campaign, presented at the 34th Aerospace Testing Seminar (ATS) in Los Angeles, CA, USA, evaluated the shock environment produced by the activation of Dcubed’s ultra-compact uD3RN HDRM—a resettable, shape memory alloy-based actuator designed for spacecraft hold-down and release applications. The goal: to validate the actuator’s induced shock performance under conditions closely replicating its actual use in flight. 

The verdict? When done right, the uD3RN reliably separates under full preload while maintaining emitted shock levels well below critical thresholds—even under stringent measurement protocols. The findings confirm what Dcubed had long maintained: their micro actuator is among the lowest-shock HDRMs available for spacecraft applications. 

Why It Matters 

Modern space missions increasingly rely on delicate optical instruments and payloads that are highly sensitive to shock. Hold-down and release mechanisms (HDRMs) ensure that these components survive launch loads, only unlocking once safely in orbit. But release events themselves can generate shock levels capable of compromising system integrity. The challenge, therefore, is to ensure robust mechanical locking during launch—without inducing damaging shock loads upon separation. 

Non-explosive actuators (NEAs) like Dcubed’s uD3RN offer a safer, more predictable alternative to traditional pyrotechnic mechanisms. But being compact and relatively new to market, data on their shock performance in realistic configurations had been limited—until now. 

The Setup: Realistic Testing for Real Flight Conditions 

Quartus Engineering designed the test campaign to mirror a flight-like configuration as closely as possible. Using “free-free” boundary conditions and flight-representative hardware interfaces—including a bimetallic Cup-Cone interface with captive feature, and a preload of 2 kN—the study captured the full mechanical picture, from release to impact. 

Figure 1. Typical test set-up. 

A single resettable uD3RN device was subjected to multiple tests at different preload levels, with high-amplitude shock accelerometers measuring the highly-transient responses at over 100,000 samples per second. Special care was taken to identify shock sources, including a soft-catch scenario to separate the effects of the release from the impact of the released nut. 

The initial findings were clear: while the release shock itself was ultra-low (SRS levels below 42g, not even getting above the noise level below 200Hz), a secondary impact event—caused by the nut striking the Cone—contributed the majority of the measured shock – see Figure 6 in the paper. This distinction proved crucial in refining the actuator’s configuration. 

Engineering Insights: From Good to Outstanding 

To improve performance, the team explored two avenues: reducing the secondary impact shock and enhancing separation reliability at lower preloads. 

Replacing the standard polyacetal spacer with an elastomeric O-ring drastically reduced the impact shock—bringing SRS levels within striking distance of the ideal “soft catch” case. Simultaneously, adding a Belleville washer to assist with nut ejection greatly increased separation success, even at reduced preload levels.  

The final “optimized configuration”—which combined both the Belleville spring and the O-ring—achieved the best of both worlds: Repeatable separations and significantly reduced shock levels. Peak accelerations remained below 100g, and SRS values stayed under 330g across the critical 10 Hz to 10 kHz frequency range (see figures 15 & 16 in the paper).

Figure 2. Optimized configuration.

Implications for Flight Hardware Designers 

The study doesn’t just validate Dcubed’s product—it also provides an analytical framework and experimental benchmarks that spacecraft designers can use to assess HDRM risks more accurately. With a derived model linking preload to nut release velocity, engineers can now predict separation dynamics based on design parameters. This makes the uD3RN not just a component, but a predictable element within the spacecraft mechanical system. 

One of the added values of working with a partner like Quartus Engineering is the ability to rapidly refine implementation methods with high confidence for future missions. Their development approach—grounded in over 25 years of simulation-driven engineering—enables fast iteration and precision optimization that aligns well with the pace and risk posture of today’s evolving space economy. 

According to Alexander Cheff Halterman, Director of Technical Program Development, Quartus’ approach is anchored in high-end mechanical simulation in a collaborative engagement model.  

“The exchange of information between Dcubed and Quartus enabled valuable physical insights critical to the success of this test campaign and the programs it supported. We look forward to building upon this successful work for future critical missions. Future collaborations between Dcubed, Quartus Engineering, and other mission stakeholders can build on this foundation—bringing the benefits of low-shock HDRM performance to new configurations with reduced schedule risk and enhanced design predictability.” 

Dr. Markus Geiss, Commercial Director at Dcubed, agrees, emphasizing the value of third-party validation in a market where reliability is everything: 

“We’re thrilled with the outcome of Quartus Engineering’s independent testing. It’s one thing for us to promote the ultra-low shock properties of our actuators, but having these claims confirmed by such a rigorous and flight-representative study is immensely valuable. It gives our customers hard data they can rely on and supports our mission to deliver reliable, compact, and resettable solutions for the space industry.” 

Final Thoughts 

In an industry where hardware is often separated by the finest margins of reliability and performance, Dcubed’s uD3RN Micro Release Nut has just taken a leap forward. Backed by independent data, its combination of ultra-low shock, repeatable separation, and compact design makes it a strong candidate for use in increasingly miniaturized and delicate space missions. 

For spacecraft engineers looking to derisk mechanical deployment without trading off performance, these results are worth a close look. 

Want to understand how Dcubed actuators can power the success of your next mission? Contact us at sales@dcubed-space.com!

Here are our top 5 takeaways 

1. Repeatability and Rapid Reset Are Game-Changers

Dcubed’s release actuators (like the pin puller and release nut) are designed for easy, tool-free resets, enabling hundreds of test cycles without refurbishment. This drastically reduces both cost and turnaround time, making “test as you fly, fly as you test” a practical reality. 

2. Testing-Friendly Hardware Unlocks Agile Development

The ability to integrate and test quickly with minimal overhead allows companies to adopt a more iterative, agile approach—testing during every design step rather than waiting for a final configuration. 

3. Poor Design for Vibe/Shock Can Destroy Hardware

Rapid test cycles are great—but cutting corners on vibration or shock analysis can lead to catastrophic damage. Dcubed engineer Guillem Quintana Buil cited test failures caused by rattling components and preload miscalculations that resulted in mechanisms welding themselves together during vibe. 

4. Record All Test Data—Even “Boring” Runs

Whether it’s a weekend thermal vacuum soak or repeated vibe runs, failing to record full housekeeping and sensor data is a major risk. Without it, post-failure troubleshooting becomes guesswork. 

5. Lead Time, Cost, and Support Still Matter

Even in space-grade hardware, buyers prioritize short lead times, transparent pricing, and responsive customer support. Dcubed’s off-the-shelf approach, lack of export controls, and easy online ordering were strong factors in customer decisions. 

Interest piqued?  

Why not watch the whole webinar including a product demo: we’ve got you covered! 

Watch the full Webinar here now! 

Then, contact us to discuss how Dcubed actuators can make your next testing campaign a breeze: sales@dcubed-space.com  

A New Chapter for Space Communications

Satellite operators are facing soaring demand for high-gain, direct-to-device services and agile Earth Observation capabilities. But the current generation of deployable antennas often relies on bulky, complex mechanisms—great for prototypes, not so great for scaling up.

That’s where LARA comes in. Leveraging Dcubed’s proven rollable and origami-inspired designs, LARA will offer a lighter, simpler, and far more scalable alternative to traditional antenna systems. The design draws on heritage from Dcubed’s Origami Solar Arrays, Reflect Array and ISM Solar Array projects, but transitions the focus from solar energy to radio frequency (RF) communication, while continuing the shift from rigid to rollable surfaces.

Small in the Rocket, Big in Space

The planned antenna will feature an aperture of at least five square meters and operate in the L- or S-band—potentially even higher frequencies, depending on mission needs. It will be built around a passive mechanical deployment system using rollable elements.

Just as importantly, LARA includes development of a complete manufacturing and assembly process optimized for serial production. This is not just a one-off demonstrator—it’s the foundation for scalable product lines that can be built and deployed quickly, reliably, and at lower cost.

A Fully Integrated Approach

As the project’s prime and sole contractor, Dcubed will leverage its in-house mechanical engineering, RF design, and deployment systems expertise, enabling faster progress from concept to test article to flight hardware. This approach also streamlines iteration and testing, which is crucial for deployables that need to perform perfectly—once and only once—in orbit.

This contract is a milestone not just for Dcubed, but for European space autonomy. As NewSpace accelerates, scalable infrastructure will be essential. Dcubed’s in-space manufacturing expertise—and deep collaboration with DLR Raumfahrtmanagement and ESA—are critical pieces of that puzzle.

Curious About Deployables?

Whether you’re planning a constellation or exploring new antenna concepts, Dcubed’s team is ready to help.

Contact us at sales@dcubed-space.com to learn more.

Unfortunately however, for space companies without the resources and bravado of the world’s richest man powering them, full vertical integration is often too slow, complex and expensive to be commercially viable.  

That’s why at Dcubed, we believe it’s time for the industry to shift towards a more pragmatic model: Vertical Integration 2.0. In this scenario, space firms work with component and subsystem vendors as true ”internal external” partners, rather than just suppliers. This approach allows them to retain the integration benefits of verticalization while dramatically reducing costs, risks, and time-to-launch. In essence, the idea is to integrate your partner, rather than the process or the production. 

We believe that NewSpace companies embracing this model will move faster, iterate more efficiently, and stay ahead of competitors stuck in outmoded integration strategies. 

Why Traditional Vertical Integration Fails 

Vertical integration has been seen as the “holy grail” of space success when faced with slow, risky and expensive dependence on external suppliers. However, it comes with significant challenges of its own, including: 

• Massive Capital Costs – Building in-house capabilities for a diverse range of subsystems demands enormous up-front investment. 
• Slow Development Timelines – Relying on external suppliers meeting their timelines without them being properly integrated slows down development.  
• Technical and Programmatic Risk – Working with unfamiliar technology without sufficient support from suppliers significantly increases the chances of failure. 
• Reinventing the Wheel – Many companies end up duplicating existing, reliable solutions instead of leveraging industry expertise. 

For these reasons, while some level of vertical control is always necessary, full vertical integration is simply impractical for most space companies. The smarter approach is to focus internal resources on core differentiators while leveraging external expertise for everything else. However, the key word here is “expertise” – choosing vendors that don’t just deliver the right reliable and cost-effective technology, but whose experts can also work intensively alongside in-house engineering teams to simplify and accelerate integration.  

The “Internal External” Model: A Smarter Way Forward 

The integration of vendors into engineering and production as long-term strategic partners delivers a range of significant benefits, including: 

• Lower Costs – Avoiding the burden of in-house development experts and accessing the vendor’s economies of scale. 
• Faster Development – Leveraging off-the-shelf or co-developed solutions to cut months or years off production and launch timelines. 
• Reduced Risk – Using proven, flight-tested components rather than developing new ones from scratch. 
• Stronger Innovation – Tapping into the expertise of vendors who specialize in their field, rather than stretching internal resources too thin. 

This is how space companies that operate as smart systems integrators rather than trying to do everything themselves can outperform those clinging to outdated vertical integration models. 

Making Vertical Integration 2.0 Work 

Transitioning to an Internal External model requires a strategic shift in how space companies select and work with their partners. Best practices include: 

1. Identify Core vs. Non-Core Capabilities – Focus in-house efforts on mission-critical differentiators and source subsystems that don’t need to be proprietary. 
2. Select the Right Partners – Choose vendors with innovative solutions, proven expertise, strong reliability, and a commitment to collaboration. 
3. Move Beyond Simple Transactions – Establish long-term relationships where vendors are deeply involved in development and integration. 
4. Foster Knowledge Sharing – Maintain close engineering collaboration, treating external teams as an extension of your own. 
5. Integrate and Test Early – Bring partner components into the development cycle early to ensure smooth integration and avoid late-stage surprises. 

What a Partnership Cooperation Looks Like 

At Dcubed, we follow a simple 5-step procedure for partnering with our customers:  

1. Ensure mutual understanding of how mission critical “small but mighty” components and subsystems are. 
2. Get involved during the design phase, to ensure that we are fixing something that isn’t broken yet, rather than engaging in failure work.  
3. Deliver comprehensive product and integration materials to prove our expertise and support in-house engineering and production teams. 
4. Provide access to our product experts through calls, onsite or remote training, workshops, design reviews, and troubleshooting.  
5. Build trusted personal relationships that facilitate the collaboration and ensure confidentiality.  

The Future of NewSpace Belongs to Agile Integrators 

And let’s be clear: Vertical Integration 2.0 is not really about cost cutting on the client side, or revenue generation on the vendor side. It’s about building competitive advantage by enabling faster launches, rapid iteration, effective scaling and reliable mission success. 

The message is clear: In space, partnership is power.  

Additional resources:

February 2025

https://spacenews.com/dont-compete-with-or-emulate-spacex-investors-urge/ 

https://spacenews.com/the-evolving-case-for-vertical-integration-as-satellites-go-modular/ 

The New Frontier: MEO and GEO Missions 

Most satellites currently operate in LEO, orbiting just 500–1,200 km above our planet’s surface. According to the UCS Satellite Database, over 6,768 satellites operate in LEO.¹ That’s largely because a decade ago, the CubeSat revolution democratized access to space. These tiny satellites—ranging from 1-100 kg—brought advanced space engineering into universities, research institutions, and lean startups.² Thanks to their affordability and shorter development cycles, CubeSats launched in LEO dominated mission designs, mainly for tech demos and cost-effective experiments. By contrast, there are just 159 satellites in MEO (5,000–20,000 km) and 580 in GEO (36,000 km). The reasons for this discrepancy are clear.¹ 

MEO & GEO Missions Are More Challenging 

MEO and GEO missions demand more powerful and sophisticated systems capable of transmitting signals across greater distances and operating over longer lifespans. That means payloads are larger, heavier, and more expensive. The technical and environmental challenges are also greater and there is more to go wrong. As a result, cost, risk, and threats to reliability all increase too, due to:  

• Longer development and deployment times: MEO & GEO satellite missions can take years to develop, launch and commission, making them far less responsive to changes in market demand.  

• Higher mission costs: Larger, heavier, more complex satellites are more expensive to build, launch and maintain.  

• Less redundancy and scalability: Fewer satellites mean a greater chance of service disruption if a failure occurs, as well as higher replacement costs.  

But the Pendulum is Swinging Anyway 

Despite these challenges, demand for MEO and GEO satellite launches is increasing because they offer significant opportunities to increase mission ROI. The drivers for this include:  

• Fewer satellites needed: Global coverage can be covered with fewer satellites, which reduces the number of launches required and ongoing fleet management costs. 

• Longer lifespan: Higher initial costs compared with smaller LEO satellites can be offset by satellites remaining active for much longer – 10 to 20 years or more, rather than 10 years or less for LEO satellites.  

• Higher stability: GEO satellites offer continuous, stable coverage for applications such as weather monitoring while MEO satellites balance coverage with better latency for applications like GPS.  

As a result, early NewSpace pioneers that once relied on CubeSats for proof-of-concept missions are scaling up. While previous designs emphasized extreme compactness, speed and cost-effectiveness, today’s MicroSats and larger CubeSats (e.g., 16U) prioritize performance and reliability. This evolution has yielded more sophisticated systems with vastly enhanced data capture and signal resolution, meeting the growing demands of commercial and scientific missions. 

The technologies required include deployable solar arrays, larger antennas, advanced optical systems, and deployable radiators that enable more effective thermal management. But they are only the first ripples heralding a coming tidal wave of innovation.  

For example, novel power solutions such as flexible solar arrays and in-space manufacturing (ISM) applications will help minimize required stowage capacity for launch and maximize energy efficiency in orbit.  

This evolution highlights the maturing mindset of the industry, where scaled-up designs deliver better ROI and competitive advantages, especially for MEO and GEO applications. 

The shift towards deeper orbits also favors small businesses that can deliver innovative solutions capable of the associated demands more quickly than larger competitors. For example, in May 2023, Exolaunch deployed the first ever 16U CubeSat (built by SpaceInventor) into GEO via the SpaceX Falcon Heavy launcher.³  

Solutions for managing Cost & Maximizing ROI 

Nevertheless, these growing ambitions demand a focus on cost efficiency as a key determinant of long-term success. The NewSpace industry must now answer an important question: how can companies manage escalating costs while delivering high-quality, high-performance solutions? Here are some of the alternatives: 

• Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Components: Early NewSpace startups built nearly all components in-house due to a lack of readily available commercial alternatives. Today, mature suppliers of COTS space-grade components are enabling faster development at reduced costs. This is fostering a shift from “build” to “buy”.  

• Pre-Integrated sub-systems: Supply chains with ready-to-ship, high-performance parts are revolutionizing time-to-launch. The ability to deploy a high-performance space system quickly ensures companies can seize competitive advantages and secure market share.  

• Partner vs. Supplier Relationships: Strategic partnerships offer more value than transactional relationships. Partners are committed to their clients’ visions and success, fostering greater collaboration and reliability. Companies that adopt this approach benefit from both agility and trust in mission-critical moments. It’s about becoming an “internal external” partner to space vehicle manufacturers, rather than just a supplier.  

Vertical Integration 2.0 – the Future of NewSpace 

Time in the NewSpace industry is more than a resource—it’s currency. Demonstrating early in-orbit success increases shareholder confidence and secures future investments. The most ambitious companies accelerate their missions by working with reliable partners who understand their challenges. 

Increasingly, satellite manufacturers are driving innovation by working with subsystem and component specialists who offer this partnership-focused approach alongside their products. For example, by leveraging specialist expertise in deployable technologies, thermal management solutions, and durable release actuators, manufacturers can break new ground faster than if they could by building an in-house capability or relying on legacy processes. 

Take thermal management systems, for example. Leveraging specialist deployable radiator technology allows small satellites in GEO to dissipate heat efficiently, while power systems optimized for deep-space operations prolong satellite lifespans. Combined, such innovations define the toolkits NewSpace enterprises need for the future. 

At Dcubed, we think about this model as “Vertical Integration 2.0” – empowering our customers to leverage the advantages of vertical integration by helping them deploy our products within their own processes without the development costs. 

So, What Comes Next? 

The NewSpace industry is growing up—and fast. What began as a pioneering field for cost-effective space exploration is transforming into a robust ecosystem of advanced technologies, scalable solutions, and high-performance missions. Yet, this maturity requires leveraging innovations in ways that are sustainable, reliable, and efficient. 

The challenges of maximizing MEO and GEO opportunities—timelines, costs, and performance—can seem daunting. We believe that companies willing to invest in pioneering technologies and forging powerful “internal external” partnerships will have a competitive advantage.  

NewSpace is no longer just about democratizing access to space; it’s about creating strong partnerships and efficient infrastructure that supports the next wave of space-based innovation, from global communications to deep space exploration.  

If we can achieve that, the sky is no longer the limit.  

References 

ucsusa.org – #1 

https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/satellite-database 

UCS Satellite Database 

viasat.com – #2 

https://news.viasat.com › blog › scn › how-big-is-that-s… How big is that satellite? A primer on satellite categories 

Apr 27, 2021 — Satellites come in many shapes and sizes for a variety of missions. … Mini satellites (100-500 kg) have really, well, taken off in recent years. 

exolaunch.com – #3 

https://www.exolaunch.com/news_88.html 

Exolaunch Deploys First-ever 16U Smallsat into GEO for Gravity Space Using SpaceX Falcon Heavy 

We’re pleased to welcome Erik Pranckh as Managing Director, who will lead our business development and R&D initiatives for the U.S. With experience in scaling technical startups and driving innovation, Erik’s expertise in business growth and technical development aligns with our vision for the future.

Strengthening our technical capabilities further, Kristi Hunt joins us as Mechanical Engineer, bringing specialized experience in advanced deployable structures development. This strategic addition to our team enhances our ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions to our customers!

The new year kicked off with our global teams coming together across continents. Erik and Kristi spent time with our CEO Thomas Sinn and Co-Founder & Director of Operations Alex Titz at our Colorado office before heading to our headquarters in Germany to dive deep into our product lines and connect with our engineering teams. These weeks of collaboration have set a strong foundation for the exciting developments ahead.

This journey started several months ago for me with a major career change, when I decided to shift my path to the space sector. Working in Business Development within the game development industry for multiple years, the transition to the space sector was both exciting and new, yet challenging. Just three months ago, I embarked on this new career path with DCUBED, a company at the forefront of hardware manufacturing for space. Within my first month, I had the unique opportunity to attend the E-SGW conference, which brings together students and young professionals to help shape Europe’s future in space. 

This is the story of my first space conference and how it transformed my perspective on the possibilities within the space industry. Our team thought my experiences might be useful for those thinking about transitioning to the space industry from outside it, or may be useful for other newcomers to the industry, as well.

E-SGW: An Opportunity to Participate in Discussions and Network with Young Professionals from Around the Globe 

The European Space Generation Workshop was the first event I participated in since starting at DCUBED. The event is dedicated to expanding the horizons of the space industry in Europe and fostering knowledge exchange among young professionals from diverse backgrounds who aim to make a difference in the field. It promotes collaboration and innovation through workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions. 

The concept of the event, and the fact that the organizing team consists of volunteers who dedicate their free time to organizing it, fascinated me. I was happy to attend as a delegate this year. 

DCUBED, as a New Space startup located in Munich, supported the organizers by being one of the sponsors and provided a discussion topic for a working group on In-Space Manufacturing. During the discussions, Valentina Luchetti (Sales and Business Development Manager at DCUBED) and Katja Nader (Project Manager at DCUBED) participated as experts, providing insights and support to the delegates. 

As a delegate, I was eager to absorb as much information as possible and understand how my skills in Sales and Marketing could contribute to the advancement of our working group. It was an interesting experience that provided me with new knowledge and perspectives. Throughout the conference I learned new terminology specific to the space sector, as well as expanded my knowledge on the topics of AI usage for Space Exploration, Diversity and Inclusion in the European Space Industry, In-space manufacturing applications and capabilities, as well as European Autonomy in space. 

Engaging in Discussions: The Power of Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration 

Coming from a non-technical background, my main goal and expectation was to deepen my knowledge of the industry. I was surprised to discover that among the other participants were people from different backgrounds, some of whom were also not directly involved in the technical aspects of the industry (lawyers, experts in international relations, communications, etc.). This was a great discovery for me, helping me to broaden my idea of the space industry and realize that everyone can have a place here. Regardless of your background and specialty, you can make a difference.  

Together, we explored ways to leverage our diverse backgrounds to drive innovation and make space technologies more accessible to a broader audience. 

Networking and Building Connections 

One of the most valuable aspects of the conference was the opportunity to network with professionals from across the space industry. I met engineers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and fellow marketers and sales development representatives, each with their own unique journey and perspective. These connections provided valuable insights into the industry and opened doors for potential collaborations and partnerships. 

Reflections and Future Aspirations 

Attending my first space conference was a transformative experience. It expanded my horizons, deepened my understanding of the space industry, and highlighted the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration. The insights gained and connections made during the event have been invaluable as I continue to navigate my role at DCUBED. 

Looking ahead, I am excited about the potential of in-space manufacturing to revolutionize space exploration. The conference reinforced my commitment to contributing to this field by applying my skills in Sales and Marketing to drive the adoption of space technologies. I am eager to explore new opportunities, forge meaningful partnerships, and help shape the future of space manufacturing. 

Conclusion 

My first space conference was more than just an introduction to the industry; it taught me that no matter how unfamiliar a new field may seem, the skills and experiences we bring from our past can be powerful tools for innovation and progress. As I continue my journey with DCUBED, I am inspired by the limitless possibilities of space manufacturing and excited to be part of a community that is pushing the boundaries of what is possible. 

The conference was just the beginning, and I am ready to embark on this exciting adventure, armed with knowledge, passion, and a network of incredible individuals who share a common vision for the future of space. 

Small Businesses Mean More Launches

Over the last five years, the NewSpace industry has had significant transformation; marked by an increase in the number and diversity of launch opportunities. The emergence and growing influence of small businesses in this sector has been transformative, advancing the industry by providing innovative solutions, specialized components and services and in many cases, driving costs down and allowing access to technologies that would have previously been unavailable to smaller enterprises, universities and research institutions. As of Q2 2021, there were over 10,000 businesses in the space sector, with almost 5,600 of them in the US alone. Spending for NASA in 2021 showed that while most people think NASA contracts only with large entities, 90% of NASA’s contracts were with small businesses representing more than $3.5 billion in the US alone. These small businesses have emerged as central players, heralding an era where Space Release Nuts, Space Pin Pullers, Space Release Actuators, Deployable Solar Arrays and more are not just components, but trusted innovation and efficiency. These small businesses have filled gaps left by larger corporations by advancing the industry forward with shape memory material products and other sophisticated materials as a different trend started to emerge in 2019-2021.

Whereas previously large, slow government contracts were won by large prime contractors like Airbus, Boeing or Lockheed, a shift to a more commercial approach was underway. Not every nut and bolt was required to be custom built, but instead commercial, off the shelf (COTS) parts started being sourced, assembled and launched. Instead of a few, very expensive, bespoke satellites; thousands of inexpensive satellites started being built using COTS parts.

More importantly, with small businesses focusing on niche aspects within the broader space ecosystem, not only have costs reduced, parts become more available and affordable, but efficiency has increased and development cycles for space missions have shortened. ^{1 2}

With all these realized time, efficiency and design savings, in recent years the surge in launch activities underscores the rapid growth of the sector, with the number of satellites being deployed shattering records annually thanks to advancements in space deployables, larger space deployable solar arrays to provide more power for more complex instruments and mechanical devices.

Launch Trends and Global Economic Impact

If you want to get an idea of how large the dramatic upturn of launches has been in the last few years, 2021 saw 146 orbital launches – the highest number since 1967 with 139 launches. 2022 shattered records again with 186 successful launches. 1 6 2023 saw the record shattered again with 212 successful launches, up 23%. 4 5 The first quarter of 2024 has seen 66 successful launches and already looks to surpass 2023’s record, underlying the rapid growth of the NewSpace sector. ³

Small business growth helping collaborative partners achieve things faster, easier and less expensively allows for more missions to be completed, turning the bottleneck for number of annual launches towards the number of rockets available to carry missions. But when we say that the commercialization of space and small business contributing to greater results has impacted the global space economy, what do we really mean?

NewSpace Economy Value By Year

· 2020: The global space economy was valued at approximately $447 billion, representing a 55% increase compared to a decade prior – highlighting a consistent upward trend. Commercial space activities, which constituted nearly 80% of the total space economy at that time, grew 6.6% to nearly $357 billion. Despite a slight decrease in global government space spending by 1.2%, the overall space economy continued to show robust growth. ⁷

· 2021: The space economy climbed to a value of $469 billion, marking a 9% increase from the previous year. This increase was recorded as the highest growth since 2014, demonstrating continued expansion and interest in the space sector amid global challenges. ⁸

· 2022: The value of the global space economy reached a new high of $546 billion, which was an 8% increase from 2021. This continued growth underscored nearly a decade of upward trends, further demonstrating the expanding commercial and governmental interests in space technologies and enterprises – while showcasing greater gains from small businesses. ¹⁰

· 2023 and Beyond: The sector showed no signs of cooling down as the global economy hit $630 billion, an almost 9% increase annually. While some analysts predicted cooling due to flat governmental spending and slowing consolidation amongst commercial entities, 2024 has already been the fastest to space with 41 launches before the end of March. Predictions are that the global space economy, driven by innovation, will surpass $1.6 trillion by 2030. ¹¹

Broader Horizons, Bigger Demands Moving Forward

The NewSpace industry is only going to get bigger as companies now look to extend past Low Earth Orbit (LEO Altitude 500-1,200km) and into Medium Earth Orbit (MEO, 5,000-20,000km) and Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO, 36,000km). Whereas there are over 6,768 satellites currently in LEO, there are just 159 in MEO (generally used for internet and GPS services) and only 580 in GEO, according to the UCS Satellite Database. This shift carries huge implications for power systems and will lead to a cascade of opportunities for small businesses in space. ⁹

As companies eye MEO and GEO ¹², more sophisticated and powerful onboard systems will be required. Longer mission lifespans and operations will have to be considered, more power will be required to transmit signals farther back to Earth (or to the Moon), all requiring new innovations in power storage and capabilities. New, innovative solutions like In Space Manufacturing (ISM) and flexible blanket solar arrays that minimize stowage, yet can be built and unfurled in space to maximize power generation will be necessary to provide the increased power MEO and GEO satellites will require. Stronger optical systems to beam information faster will be required, as will larger antennas, optical systems and ways to disperse the increased amounts of heat generated by onboard devices through deployable radiators and other similar devices.

Part of the shift of why MEO and GEO are being eyed for new missions is the change in satellite sizes over the last decade. Initially, satellites were the size of school buses (over 1000+kg). A decade ago, a standard called CubeSats, which changed not only how space engineering was being taught to the next generation of dreamers, but also allowed access to the building of satellites to many more people because of it’s small size and mass (1-100kg).¹³ While small CubeSats are still widely built by universities and research organizations, commercial entities have started building larger satellites again. Initially CubeSats were used by commercial enterprises for mission and tech demos – and the results and development cycles were stunning.

Now, those companies that previously built a business case around their CubeSat efforts are attempting to maximize their return on investment. This means they are willing to accept a bit more mass, more volume and a slightly higher cost; but the performance is vastly improved, resulting in greater returned data and/or signal resolution when launching a large CubeSat (i.e. 16U) or a MicroSat.

As NewSpace transitions into MEO and GEO, it provides a pivotal moment for the industry to continue maturing, advancements in almost every portion of mission design, but also lay the groundwork for the next frontier of space innovation and exploration. The NewSpace industry has matured the how and when of utilizing small businesses to build more efficiencies and savings, now the scope of those efficiencies must expand as the sector eyes further distances, and eventually planets.

Sources:

www2.deloitte.com · #1
Future of the space economy | Deloitte Insights

Get the Deloitte Insights app. This growth in the global space sector is creating opportunities for new players and new offerings for incumbent ones. 2022 was a record year for the space sector, with 186 successful rocket launches (41 more than in 2021)—the most ever, 2 signaling a rapid transformation of the space sector.

atlanticcouncil.org · #2
The NewSpace market: Capital, control, and commercialization

However, Asia has experienced the most significant growth in this market over the last five years and now holds 25 percent of the market share. 17 “Space Economy Report 2022. … The key challenges to NewSpace industry growth are the regulatory landscape and access to financing. This is evidenced by the European NewSpace ecosystem where, at a …

spacefoundation.org · #3
The Space Report 2023 Q4 Shows Record Number of Launches for Third Year …

14 new launch vehicles set to launch in 2024 COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Jan. 23, 2024 — Space Foundation , a nonprofit organization founded in 1983, offering information, education and collaboration for the global space ecosystem, today released The Space Report 2023 Q4, which shows the busiest year ever for space.

newspaceeconomy.ca · #4
Report: Space Activities in 2023 (Jonathan McDowell 2024) | New Space …

In 2023, there were 221 orbital launch attempts globally, of which 209 were successful, 11 failed, and 1 was a partial failure. A total of 207 payloads were catalogued from the launches. The 221 launch attempts in 2023 set a new annual record, up 20% from 2022. The number of orbital payloads launched also hit an all-time high of 2,891 …

spacestatsonline.com · #5
Orbital launches in 2023 | Space Stats

Last update: 2024-03-31 « Orbital launches by year • Previous year • Next year Orbital launches in 2023 Launches by month: Launches by launch sites * for airborne launches the take off site of the carrier aircraft is considered. Countries:

seradata.com · #6
2021 Launch Year: A new record for both orbital rocket and … – Seradata

The final score for orbital launches in 2021 was 146 – a record number since space launch history began with the launch of

spacefoundation.org · #7
Global Space Economy Rose to $447B in 2020 … – Space Foundation

This $447 billion space economy is 55% higher than a decade ago and part of a five-year trend of uninterrupted growth. Commercial space activity grew 6.6% to nearly $357 billion in 2020, still representing close to 80% of the total space economy. Global government space spending fell 1.2% in 2020 to $90.2 billion from a revised 2019 peak of $91 …

mckinsey.com · #8
How will the space economy change the world? | McKinsey

Governments, often working with companies in the private sector, can use satellite images and data to gain valuable intelligence, such as information on the movement of troops or the installation of weapons systems. According to the not-for-profit Space Foundation, the space economy was valued at $469 billion in 2021, up 9 percent from 2020 …

nasa.gov · #9
Space Manufacturing Technology Report – NASA

Manufacturing & The Space Economy: Today, space systems development takes too long and costs too much, and the high cost of operating in the space industry limits new entrants and competition. Manufacturing technology advancements will play a critical role in maintaining U.S. industry leadership in a hypercompetitive global environment.

thespacereport.org · #10
Space Economy News and Articles – The Space Report

The global space economy reached a new high of $546 billion in 2022, an increase of 8% from a revised 2021 figure of $506

The World Economic Forum #11
https://www.weforum.org › press › 2024/04 › space-ec… Space Economy Set to Triple to $1.8 Trillion by 2035, New …

Apr 8, 2024 — The global space economy will be worth $1.8 trillion by 2035, up from $630 billion in 2023 – almost twice the rate of global GDP growth …

Is MEO Poised for New Growth As Satellite Market Shifts? #12
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions https://www.kratosdefense.com › constellations › articles

… LEO and could see increased use in the future as satellite companies look to diversify uses for MEO satellites in innovative ways.

viasat.com #13
https://news.viasat.com › blog › scn › how-big-is-that-s… How big is that satellite? A primer on satellite categories
Apr 27, 2021 — Satellites come in many shapes and sizes for a variety of missions. … Mini satellites (100-500 kg) have really, well, taken off in recent years.