Release Actuators

Safely secure and release delicate space hardware on orbit. Dcubed’s high-performance release actuators make different types of experiments feasible, accelerating space exploration.

Our actuator product lines

Release Nuts

Our Release Nut product line includes compact, shape-memory release actuators designed primarily for axial pre-load applications.

Pin Pullers

Our Pin Puller product line offers easy-to-use and highly-resettable release actuators that are perfect for shear-load applications.

Product advantages

  • Cut weight by 34% and size by 44%
  • Reset for testing up to hundreds of cycles, in seconds
  • Lower AIT cost and time by 23%
  • Decrease shock by 97% making our products suitable for any application
  • Provide 100% actuation redundancy enabling mission-critical applications
  • Reduce costs by 31% compared to competitor products
  • Proven in space products (TRL9)
  • Lower procurement process time by 90% with COTS
  • Solidify supply chain with 100% export control-free products
Milli Release Nut (mD3RN) Micro Release Nut Plus (uD3RN+) Micro Release Nut (uD3RN) Nano Release Nut (nD3RN) Nano Smart Pack (nD3SP) Micro Pin Puller (uD3PP) Nano Pin Puller (nD3PP)
Size Ø56 x 55 mm / Ø 2.204 x 2.165 in 25x25x25 mm / 0.9x0.9x0.9 in 25x25x25 mm / 0.9x0.9x0.9 in 17x17x17 mm / 0.67x0.67x0.67 in 74x35x4 mm / 2.91x1.38x0.16 in Ø28x52 mm / Ø1.1x20.27 in 17x17x17 mm / 0.67x0.67x0.67 in
Mass 225 grams / 8.818 oz 44 grams / 1.55 oz 38 grams / 1.34 oz 12 grams / 0.42 oz 27 grams / 0.95 oz 85 grams / 3 oz 12 grams / 0.42 oz
Load Axial Load: 18 kN / 4000 lbf 6kN / 1348 lbf 4 kN / 899 lbf Axial Load: 380 N / 85 lbf Axial Load: >200 N / 45 lbf Shear Load: 490 N / 110 lbf Shear Load: 50 N / 11 lbf
TRL 8 (9 in 2026) 8 (9 in 2026) 9 9 9 9 9

Enable your space system solutions with Dcubed

Whether you’re looking for a reliable trigger on-orbit or a highly efficient solar array, we’ve got you covered.