The mission will host power beaming payloads from, in alphabetical order: ORiS (Italy), TerraSpark (Luxembourg), Volta Space Technologies (Canada/USA), alongside two additional partners (to be announced). Together, they form a diverse group of leading companies to jointly advance the future of space-based power systems – demonstrating both optical and Radio Frequency (RF) power transmission on a single flight demonstration.

With ARAQYS-D3, Dcubed is building toward a new paradigm of space infrastructure centered around scalable, in-orbit power generation. The mission will demonstrate a novel class of solar array technology designed specifically for space operation—rather than being constrained by launch—unlocking new levels of scalability and affordability by using In-Space Manufacturing building blocks and Dcubed’s proven solar array technology.

By integrating multiple, multi-modal power beaming demonstrations on a single platform, ARAQYS-D3 will serve as a pathfinder for shared energy architectures in orbit. This approach lays the groundwork for “Power-as-a-Service” (PaaS), where satellites can access external power sources to extend mission lifetimes, increase payload performance, and enable entirely new mission concepts.

“At Dcubed, we are building Power-as-a-Service from the ground up,” said Dr. Thomas Sinn, CEO of Dcubed GmbH. “We demonstrated our capability at the component level with our release actuators, scaled to subsystems with our solar arrays, and are now tackling the service layer together with our partners. ARAQYS-D3 is the next logical step in that evolution, yet again solving the next bottleneck of the space economy, availability of unlimited affordable power anywhere in space.”

“This partner selection reflects the growing momentum behind in-space power infrastructure,” Sinn added. “By bringing together leading players from across continents, ARAQYS-D3 becomes more than a mission—it becomes an ecosystem demonstration.”

The mission will also act as Dcubed’s first “Space Power Plant”, showcasing how power generation and distribution can evolve into shared infrastructure in orbit. In addition to enabling new commercial capabilities, such systems will also enhance the resilience of the space infrastructure.

ARAQYS-D3 is scheduled to launch with SpaceX as early as February 2027, with the satellite platform provided by Astro Digital.

About Dcubed: Dcubed focuses on two core verticals: Release Actuators and Power Solutions, enabling the next generation of scalable space infrastructure. The company’s flight-proven release mechanisms provide reliable deployment at the component level, while its solar arrays unlock new capabilities at the subsystem and infrastructure level.

Building on this foundation, Dcubed is advancing both next-generation solar array solutions and Power-as-a-Service under its brand ARAQYS, developing technologies and architectures that enable energy generation, distribution, and utilization in orbit. With a track record validated by more than 130 customers, and deep expertise in deployable structures and in-space manufacturing, Dcubed is uniquely positioned to drive this evolution.

With offices in Munich, Germany, and Berthoud, Colorado, USA, Dcubed’s mission is to be the company that builds space — delivering the technologies and infrastructure that power the space industry across orbit, the Moon, and beyond.

Media Contact: Thomas Sinn, thomas.sinn@dcubed-space.com, www.dcubed.space / www.araqys.com

About ORiS: A leading European company in laser power beaming for space and defense applications. Their mission is to distribute space-based energy to satellite operators, whether already in orbit or across future satellite platforms, without requiring additional onboard hardware.

More at: www.oris-space.com

About TerraSpark: TerraSpark is a European startup founded in 2025 that develops space-based solar energy using a modular approach. By capturing solar energy in space and safely transmitting it to Earth via radio frequency, TerraSpark aims to create a new global energy infrastructure. The management team combines aerospace engineering expertise with proven scaling experience from building billion-dollar European technology companies.

More at: www.terraspark.energy

About Volta Space Technologies: Volta is building the energy grid for sustainable lunar operations, enabling endless and affordable power to lunar surface missions. Volta’s Optical Wireless Power Transmission (OWPT) stack has been funded in part by CSA, NASA, ESA, NATO, the Canadian DND, the U.S. Department of War, Operational Energy-Innovation Office, and Naval Research Lab. Volta will demonstrate the first receiver landing on the Moon in 2027 with Firefly Aerospace, begin orbital power services in 2029, and subsequently extending the reach of future lunar-based power systems like nuclear fission.

Volta is leveraging its success with wireless power to develop new capabilities to address Defense use cases in space and in the harshest conditions on earth.

Media Contact: news@voltaspace.co, https://www.voltaspace.co/

“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.

Dcubed GmbH has entered into a strategic partnership with EnduroSat, satellite infrastructure builder to support the serial production of company’s next-generation ESPA-class satellite platform, FRAME. Under the agreement, Dcubed will supply its flight-proven HDRMs for critical deployment functions on board the spacecraft.

As part of the partnership, Dcubed’s Micro Release Nuts (uD3RN) will be used to deploy the satellite’s solar array power subsystems in orbit—one of the most mission-critical phases of any spacecraft operation. The selection of Dcubed reflects its strong technical heritage, proven in-flight performance, and ability to meet demanding program constraints.

A key factor in reaching the agreement was Dcubed’s ability to commit to an aggressive delivery schedule within a highly constrained budget. This was made possible by the company’s serial production approach and robust, well-established supply chain. In addition to its technical credibility, Dcubed’s highly responsive and collaborative team played a decisive role in enabling the partnership to move forward quickly.

Viktor Danchev, CTO at Endurosat commented: “Dcubed’s flight-proven HDRMs are helping us bring down the cost of any space data and accelerate time to orbit with a secure supply chain.”

Markus Geiss, Chief Commercial Officer at Dcubed, added: “Dcubed is excited to work as a strategic partner with leading New Space companies like EnduroSat across the US and Europe. By leveraging our existing release mechanism and power subsystem technologies, we are helping enable the space infrastructure of the future.”

Looking ahead, Dcubed continues to innovate in the development of larger and more powerful release actuators, including the Milli Release Nut, which may be perfectly suitable for ESPA-class satellite platforms such as FRAME. In parallel, the company’s pioneering work on large, high-power ISM solar arrays—designed to be manufactured and deployed in orbit—further strengthens its position as a technology leader supporting the growing in-space economy.

About EnduroSat

EnduroSat is a satellite manufacturer and space services provider, streamlining space missions in low Earth orbit (LEO) and beyond. The company manages every step – from mission design to launch and operations – serving over 400 customers globally and employing more than 300 space professionals across 7 locations worldwide.

About Dcubed

Dcubed enables the future of space missions with high-performance, flight-proven release mechanisms and solar arrays. From cutting-edge Release Actuators to scalable Deployable Solar Arrays, our technologies are designed for user friendliness, availability, and reliability — whether for smallsats in LEO or large missions to Moon, Mars and beyond.

Headquartered in Munich, Germany, with a manufacturing presence in Denver, Colorado, Dcubed serves a global space industry with off-the-shelf and customizable hardware that accelerates mission timelines and reduces cost and risk.

With a proven track record of over 150 products in space, we are at the forefront of In-Space Manufacturing and are proud to push the boundaries of what’s possible with lightweight, compact, and efficient deployable systems. We work closely with satellite integrators, subsystem builders, space agencies, primes, and emerging players across the globe — building the enabling technologies that will power the next generation of commercial and exploration missions.

Munich, Germany — 11th of December — Dcubed is delighted to announce that it has been selected by Sidus Space to supply Nano Pin Pullers for the next generation of LizzieSat satellites. The release mechanisms will be used to deploy eight rigid solar arrays per spacecraft once in orbit, supporting Sidus’s continued innovation in compact satellite design. 

For earlier missions, Sidus utilized internally developed burn wire release systems. As the LizzieSat platform evolved, Sidus sought a more streamlined and scalable deployment solution. After evaluating multiple options, Sidus selected Dcubed’s nano pin pullers. 

Dcubed’s mechanisms were chosen for their resettable and scalable design, offering a significant improvement over single use burn wire systems. Their proven flight heritage and rapid delivery capability also played a key role in the decision, helping Sidus accelerate testing and de-risk satellite assembly ahead of launch. 

Engineering models have already been delivered, and the testing campaign is underway through Q4 2025. Flight unit delivery is scheduled for December 2025, keeping the LizzieSat micro-constellation firmly on track. 

“Integrating Dcubed’s Nano Pin Pullers into our LizzieSat platform enhances our deployment architecture,” said Carol Craig, Founder and CEO of Sidus Space. “Their resettable Hold-Down and Release Mechanisms (HDRMs) technology replaces single-use systems, enabling rapid test cycles and reducing integration risk. These capabilities are critical as we scale our constellation and maintain precision and reliability under aggressive timelines.”  

“We’re proud that Sidus Space has placed its trust in our release mechanisms,” said Dr. Thomas Sinn, CEO, Dcubed. “Our nano pin pullers have a strong record of performance and reusability, and we’re confident they’ll contribute to the success of the LizzieSat micro-constellation. This partnership is an exciting step that we believe will lead to deeper collaboration in the future.” 

As demand grows for faster, more flexible spacecraft production, Dcubed continues to build its reputation as one of the world’s most capable providers of responsive manufacturing solutions for dynamic space missions. 

About Dcubed  

Dcubed enables the future of space missions with high-performance, flight-proven release mechanisms and solar arrays. From cutting-edge Release Actuators to scalable Deployable Solar Arrays, our technologies are designed for user friendliness, availability, and reliability — whether for smallsats in LEO or large missions to Moon, Mars and beyond.   

Headquartered in Munich, Germany, with a manufacturing presence in Denver, Colorado, Dcubed serves a global space industry with off-the-shelf and customizable hardware that accelerates mission timelines and reduces cost and risk.   

With a proven track record of over 150 products in space, we are at the forefront of In-Space Manufacturing and are proud to push the boundaries of what’s possible with lightweight, compact, and efficient deployable systems. We work closely with satellite integrators, subsystem builders, space agencies, primes, and emerging players across the globe — building the enabling technologies that will power the next generation of commercial and exploration missions.

For more information, visit: www.dcubed-space.com 

About Sidus Space  

Sidus Space® (NASDAQ: SIDU) is an innovative space and defense technology provider offering flexible, cost-effective solutions, including satellite manufacturing and technology integration, AI-driven space-based data solutions, mission planning and management operations, AI/ML products and services, and space and defense hardware manufacturing. With its mission of Space Access Reimagined®, Sidus Space is committed to rapid innovation, adaptable and cost-effective solutions, and the optimization of space system and data collection performance. With demonstrated space heritage, including manufacturing and operating its own satellite and sensor system, LizzieSat®, Sidus Space serves government, defense, intelligence, and commercial companies around the globe. Strategically headquartered on Florida’s Space Coast, Sidus Space operates a 35,000-square-foot space manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing facility and provides easy access to nearby launch facilities.

For more information, visit: www.sidusspace.com 

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

Dcubed will deliver the solar array power subsystem for the first of five Intuitive Machines satellites. The system includes two rigid deployable solar wings with a 2 kW end-of-life total power output. Leveraging Dcubed’s agile development capabilities and robust supply chain, Dcubed has committed to a rapid delivery schedule. Moreover, the construction of the array will leverage Dcubed’s state of the art robotic assembly line that is key to Dcubed’s industrialization strategy.  

“The data network we’re building lays the foundation for sustainable lunar operations by providing data, transmission, and navigation services essential for exploration and infrastructure so customers can access, coordinate, and act on space data with minimal latency,” said Gary Spexarth, Lander Production Manager for Intuitive Machines. “Dcubed’s responsiveness and reliable solar array technology support the pace and precision required to deploy the Lunar Data Network as part of our broader Space Data Network.”  

The Lunar Data Network is the first segment of an SDN that Intuitive Machines is building, enabling: 

• High-capacity data transmission, like 4K video and precision PNT services to support landing site selection, resource prospecting, and autonomous mobility. 

• Autonomous operations, delivering infrastructure, logistics, and mapping capabilities to support sustained lunar exploration. 

• Scalable support for lunar cargo and infrastructure delivery, strengthening long-duration operations and expanding access to lunar surface assets. 

Dcubed’s proposal was submitted within 72 hours of the initial discussion and quickly resulted in an agreement, thanks to the company’s technical credibility, responsive team, and commitment to accelerated delivery. 

“Partnering with Intuitive Machines for such a pivotal mission is a proud moment for our team,” said Erik Pranckh, US Managing Director, Dcubed. “This project demonstrates the agility and reliability of our solar array technology today, while aligning with our longer-term vision to pioneer in-space manufactured (ISM) solar arrays that will power the space infrastructure of the future.” 

About Dcubed 

Dcubed enables the future of space missions with high-performance, flight-proven release mechanisms and deployable structures. From cutting-edge Release Actuators to scalable Deployable Solar Arrays and innovative Deployable Antennas, our technologies are designed for user friendliness, availability, and reliability — whether for smallsats in LEO or large missions to Moon, Mars and beyond.  

Headquartered in Munich, Germany, with a manufacturing presence in Denver, Colorado, Dcubed serves a global space industry with off-the-shelf and customizable hardware that accelerates mission timelines and reduces cost and risk.  

With a proven track record across multiple space missions, we are at the forefront of In-Space Manufacturing and are proud to push the boundaries of what’s possible with lightweight, compact, and efficient deployable systems. We work closely with satellite integrators, subsystem builders, space agencies, primes, and emerging players across the globe — building the enabling technologies that will power the next generation of commercial and exploration missions.

Find out more about this partnership here: Dcubed Solar Arrays Selected to Power Intuitive Machines’ First Space Data Network Satellite 

Contacts 

For investor inquiries:
thomas.sinn@dcubed-space.com 

For media inquiries: 

hamish.mackenzie@dcubed-space.com 

About Intuitive Machines 

Intuitive Machines is a diversified space technology, infrastructure, and services company focused on fundamentally disrupting lunar access economics. In 2024, Intuitive Machines successfully soft-landed the Company’s Nova-C class lunar lander, on the Moon, returning the United States to the lunar surface for the first time since 1972. In 2025, Intuitive Machines returned to the lunar south pole with a second lander. The Company’s products and services are focused through three pillars of space commercialization: Delivery Services, Data Transmission Services, and Infrastructure as a Service. 

Contacts 

For investor inquiries:
investors@intuitivemachines.com 

For media inquiries:
press@intuitivemachines.com 

Image Credit: 

Intuitive Machines conceptual 3D render of data-relay satellite. 

The agreement establishes a strategic partnership to explore future opportunities in space power and deployable technologies. By aligning their complementary expertise, Flexell Space and Dcubed aim to strengthen innovation and expand cooperation across the global space sector.

Taehun Ahn, CEO of Flexell Space, said “This collaboration demonstrates the global recognition of our solar cell technology. Flexell Space’s innovative solar cells are characterized by 90% weight reduction, 60% cost savings, and enhanced durability against radiation and extreme temperatures compared to conventional space solar cells. By combining our expertise in lightweight solar cells with Dcubed’s proven deployable solar array systems, we can deliver a new class of reliable, scalable, and sustainable power solutions for satellites.”

Antonio Pedivellano, Director of Deployables at Dcubed, added: “Collaborating with Flexell Space is an important step toward fostering new opportunities in space technology. Together, we will explore solutions that meet the evolving needs of the satellite industry worldwide.”

Beyond technology, the partnership also highlights closer ties between Europe and South Korea, reinforcing international collaboration and opening pathways for future cooperation in global markets.

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.