Success Stories – Dcubed

Skyroot Aerospace

Maria — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 11:04:55 +0000

Success Story

Skyroot Aerospace

Founded in 2018 by former ISRO engineers Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, Skyroot Aerospace is a Hyderabad-based private launch company building a family of on-demand launch vehicles for the small-satellite market. Skyroot Aerospace made history in November 2022 when its Vikram-S suborbital rocket became the first privately developed Indian rocket to reach space. In July 2026, the company reached an even bigger milestone: Vikram-1, Skyroot Aerospace’s orbital-class launch vehicle, successfully placed multiple payloads into low Earth orbit on its very first flight, Mission Aagaman.

Skyroot Aerospace's Challenge

As Skyroot Aerospace progressed from its 2022 suborbital demonstrator toward a fully orbital rocket, its payload dispenser designs needed compact Hold-Down and Release Mechanisms (HDRMs) with extreme reliability.

Just as importantly, they needed to be resettable and easy to integrate, so Skyroot Aerospace engineers could run repeated deployment tests across multiple qualification campaigns without swapping hardware between cycles.

Image credit: Skyroot Aerospace

Dcubed Solution

Skyroot Aerospace selected Dcubed’s Nano and Micro Pin Pullers as the HDRMs for its CubeSat dispensers. The 44% smaller compact form factor and 34% lower mass of both actuators made them well suited to dispenser designs where space and payload margin are always at a premium. At the same time, their resettable, non-pyrotechnic actuation let the Skyroot Aerospace team repeatedly test and reset dispenser hardware during ground qualification, without the cost and complexity of consumable release mechanisms. Since 2022, Dcubed has consistently delivered on requirements and supported Skyroot Aerospace’s increasingly complex flight and testing program as the company has scaled toward Vikram-1. In that time, Skyroot Aerospace has ordered more than 20 actuators across its programs, including the Nano and Micro Pin Pullers for CubeSat dispensers flown on Vikram-1’s historic orbital debut.

Dcubed Impact

On July 18, 2026, Vikram-1 lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota and successfully reached a target orbit — making India the third country with private orbital launch capability and putting Skyroot Aerospace in the small group of private companies worldwide to reach orbit on their very first attempt. Dcubed’s Nano and Micro Pin Pullers performed flawlessly within Skyroot Aerospace’s CubeSat dispensers throughout the mission, supporting the deployment of payloads including the company’s own SCOPE technology demonstrator.

Beyond the technical performance on launch day, Mission Aagaman is the product of a four-year partnership between the two companies. The ease of integrating Dcubed’s resettable HDRMs let Skyroot Aerospace’s engineers test and iterate 23% faster compared to non-resettable HDRMs. At the same time the track record built across more than 20 units ordered since 2022 gave Skyroot Aerospace the confidence to rely on the same actuator family for a debut flight where failure was not an option. The success of Vikram-1 reinforces Dcubed’s role as a long-term hardware partner for Skyroot Aerospace.

Image credit: Skyroot Aerospace

With Vikram-1’s success now established, both companies see the mission as a foundation rather than a finish line. As Skyroot Aerospace scales toward second flight of Vikram-1 and a busier flight schedule, Mission Aagaman adds further confirmation that Dcubed’s flight proven actuators are well suited to support that growth — extending a four-year relationship into the next phase of India’s commercial launch industry.

“We've worked with Dcubed since 2022, and that long-standing relationship gave us real confidence going into Vikram-1. Their pin pullers are compact, easy to integrate, and simple to reset during testing — exactly what we needed as our dispenser designs evolved on the way to India's first private orbital mission. It's a partnership we've relied on for four years, and the one we look forward to continuing.”

ArkEdge Space

Maria — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 07:29:55 +0000

Success Story

ArkEdge Space

ArkEdge Space is a Japanese space technology company offering end-to-end solutions for micro-satellite constellations, from planning and design to mass production and operations.

In May 2026, the company reached a major milestone with the successful in-orbit deployment of the VDES antenna aboard its operational micro-satellite AE1a. The achievement lays the foundation for on-orbit verification of two-way VDES (VHF Data Exchange System) communications—a significant step toward next-generation maritime satellite communications and the future digitalization of the maritime industry.

ArkEdge Space's Challenge

The success of the AE1a mission depended on the reliable deployment of its VDES antenna once the satellite reached orbit. Without successful deployment, the mission could not progress toward validating two-way VDES communications.

To meet this mission-critical requirement, ArkEdge Space sought a deployment mechanism that combined proven reliability with practical engineering advantages. The team also wanted to move beyond conventional burn-wire release systems in favor of a resettable solution that could support efficient ground testing while meeting an ambitious development schedule.

Dcubed's Solution

ArkEdge Space selected Dcubed’s nD3PP Nano Pin Puller to release the VDES antenna in orbit.

The decision was driven by several factors: the mechanism’s resettability, flight-proven heritage, short lead time, and rapid delivery. Together, these capabilities offered ArkEdge Space a reliable and test-friendly alternative to burn-wire deployment systems while supporting the program timeline.

By enabling repeated ground testing before launch, the resettable mechanism helped provide confidence in a deployment event that could only happen once in orbit.

Dcubed's Impact

AE1a successfully deployed its VDES antenna in orbit, marking a key milestone for the mission. An image of the deployed antenna was subsequently downlinked via test radio signals, confirming successful deployment.

With this milestone achieved, ArkEdge Space can advance from previous reception-focused demonstrations toward validating two-way VDES communications in orbit. The mission also demonstrates deployable antenna capabilities on the company’s standardized 6U satellite platform and supports the long-term development of a VDES satellite constellation for wide-area maritime communications.

Beyond enabling a mission-critical deployment, the successful collaboration strengthened the partnership between ArkEdge Space and Dcubed. The success of AE1a marked the beginning of an expanded collaboration, with ArkEdge Space selecting Dcubed products for future satellite missions. This reflects the confidence built through the successful in-orbit performance of the nD3PP Nano Pin Puller and establishing the foundation for continued collaboration.

Images Credit: ArkEdge Space

“The successful deployment of the VDES antenna aboard AE1a was an important milestone for our mission. Dcubed’s nD3PP Nano Pin Puller provided the reliability and testability required for this mission-critical deployment, while its resettable design enabled us to conduct repeated ground testing efficiently. We appreciate Dcubed’s support and look forward to building on this success through future satellite missions.”

Hawkeye 360

Maria — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 11:03:00 +0000

Success Story

HawkEye 360

HawkEye 360 is a defense technology company operating a commercial RF sensing satellite constellation that delivers real-time radio frequency intelligence from space.

By combining advanced analytics with space-based RF data collection, HawkEye 360 supports government and commercial customers with enhanced situational awareness and low-latency decision-making capabilities.

Hawkeye 360’s Challenge: Fast, Repeatable Deployment Testing

As HawkEye 360 continued scaling its constellation and developing increasingly sophisticated spacecraft platforms, the engineering team required a reliable and resettable deployment mechanism that could support rapid testing and qualification cycles. Conventional release mechanisms often require replacement or refurbishment after deployment, creating additional cost and operational complexity during test campaigns. For HawkEye 360, repeated deployment testing was critical to validating spacecraft wing performance and ensuring mission reliability before launch.

Dcubed Solution: Resettable Release Mechanisms for Rapid Deployment Testing

After evaluating its options, HawkEye 360 selected Dcubed’s resettable Release Nuts as the Hold-Down and Release Mechanism (HDRM) for its deployable solar arrays.

Unlike traditional single-use HDRMs, Dcubed’s reusable deployment mechanism enabled the engineering team to rapidly reset the system after each deployment test. This allowed HawkEye 360 to execute deployment cycles efficiently while maintaining consistent deployment performance.

“One of the big aspects that the Dcubed Release Nut offered us was the ability to easily reset the wing after a deployment, and the rapid pace that we were able to reset. We probably deployed our test wing 100 times during testing — and that actuation was smooth and worked perfectly for what we needed. The working relationship with Dcubed has been fantastic, the team is very responsive and solution oriented.”

Dcubed Impact

By integrating Dcubed’s Release Nuts, HawkEye 360 completed an exceptionally thorough deployment qualification campaign. The engineering team conducted extensive deployment cycles during the project while maintaining smooth and reliable actuation performance.

Dcubed supported the integration with rapid technical response and close engineering collaboration, providing HawkEye 360 with both flight-ready hardware and a working relationship designed to keep development moving at speed, following a true test-as-you-fly, fly-as-you-test approach.

The success of the Release Nut integration has prompted HawkEye 360 to choose Dcubed for additional applications across future missions.

Today, HawkEye 360 continues advancing its RF sensing constellation with spacecraft systems designed to deliver enhanced global RF awareness and low-latency intelligence capabilities from orbit.

“I would recommend using Dcubed products for other kinds of missions. I think Dcubed is a very responsive and fast company. The price point to have these resettable release nut mechanisms is great.”

Source Energy

Maria — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 16:05:50 +0000

Success Story

Source Energy

Source Energy develops large silicon-cell solar arrays for spacecraft missions that demand fast delivery, competitive pricing, and the production volume to support missions at industrial scale.

Based in Colorado, Source is part of the new generation of space companies focused on building practical, readily-available hardware while making integration easier for customers and mission teams.

Their systems are designed to deliver reliable power in demanding environments, while supporting efficient spacecraft development and testing on the ground. Testing is central to ensuring this reliability, giving Source Energy’s customers the peace of mind that mission risk has been minimized.

Source Energy's Challenge

For many Source Energy customers, solar array deployment testing can be one of the most demanding — and expensive — parts of a campaign.

Historically, deployment hardware often allowed only a limited number of test cycles (if any at all). This meant configuration breaks, hardware swaps, and repeated setup work during qualification campaigns. Each interruption added engineering time, mission risk, and significant cost.

Customers increasingly realized that saving a small amount on deployment hardware like HDRMs could end up costing tens of thousands of dollars in overall testing cost. What they really needed was a reliable, flight-proven HDRM that could be reset and reused repeatedly without disrupting their campaign.

Dcubed Solution

Source Energy became an early adopter of Dcubed’s Milli Release Nut (mD3RN), quickly recognizing its potential to simplify testing and reduce operational friction.

Through the new strategic partnership, Dcubed will supply milli Release Nuts for Source Energy customer missions, supported by short lead times and responsive engineering support whenever and wherever it is needed.

Source Energy values the following attributes of the Milli Release Nut in particular:

Cost Efficiency — Dcubed’s resettable HDRMs reduces the need for consumable hardware, lowering overall production and testing costs across multiple test campaigns.
Reduced Contamination and Safety Risk — Pyrotechnic HDRMs carry some handling risks and can produce particulate contamination when fired. A resettable, non-pyrotechnic mechanism eliminates these hazards, making it safer for personnel. Testing Flexibility – During ground testing, our engineers need to repeatedly simulate launch and deployment sequences. Dcubed’s resettable HDRM allows the mechanism to be reset and tested multiple times without replacing components, saving our team time and cost during the integration and test phase.

Speaking about the power of the partnership, Source Energy’s CEO, Philip Keller said:

“The Dcubed resettable HDRM is a well-engineered solution that directly addresses the testing challenges we face during satellite integration and test. We see clear value in the mD3RN for our current and future customers.”

In addition, the fact that Source and Dcubed are practically neighbors in Colorado ensures fast, onsite collaboration is easily possible whenever it’s required.

Dcubed Impact

By switching to an easily resettable, reusable, flight-proven release mechanism, Source Energy customers can now perform dozens of deployment cycles without replacing hardware or pausing their test campaign.

This eliminates costly configuration breaks, reduces schedule risk, and often saves customers tens of thousands of dollars in a single campaign. In practice, Dcubed’s mechanism frequently pays for itself many times over before launch.

More broadly, the partnership reflects the shared philosophy of both companies: making space engineering easier, and making procurement and integration faster and more predictable for mission teams.

It’s also a strong example of Dcubed’s Vertical Integration 2.0 approach, where vendors become true partners to mission teams — not just product suppliers.

Let’s Make Your Next Test Campaign Easier

If you’re planning a mission and want to eliminate deployment headaches, reduce testing costs, and keep your campaign moving without interruptions, Dcubed is ready to help.

Talk to the Dcubed team about reliable deployment solutions for your next mission.

German Aerospace Center (DLR)

Maria — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 13:15:51 +0000

Success Story

German Aerospace Center (DLR)

The German Aerospace Center (DLR) is the aerospace research center of the Federal Republic of Germany. Its research and development work in aeronautics, space, energy, transport and security is integrated into national and international co-operations. Over 11.000 employees, scientists and engineers work in 54 institutes and facilities on 30 sites.

The DLR Institute of Communications and Navigation is dedicated to mission-oriented research in selected areas of communications and navigation. Its work ranges from the theoretical foundations to the demonstration of new procedures and systems in a real environment and is embedded in DLR’s Space, Aeronautics, Transport, Security and Digitalization programs. The Institute currently employs around 255 staff, including about 190 scientists at the locations Oberpfaffenhofen and Neustrelitz and Aachen-Merzbrück.

The department Optical Satellite Links deals with the application of optical technologies in satellite communication and related topics. The department is internationally networked with all this work, is involved in numerous international projects and, in particular, maintains close relationships with selected industrial companies. The transfer of the technologies and know-how developed to industry is one of DLR’s key objectives and is consistently pursued.

DLR’s Challenge

DLR has been working on Cube1G, a laser communication terminal developed for small satellites and CubeSats to provide bidirectional optical communication with a data rate of up to 1 Gbit/s.

To enable parallel operation and communication with the satellite, Cube1G is equipped with a Coarse Pointing Assembly (CPA), that can steer the laser beams independently from the platform’s attitude.

The CPA moves freely in azimuth and elevation, but it must be kept stationary during the rocket launch. Therefore, two nD3PP were selected to be used as a launch lock that keeps the CPA fixed during the launch and will be released in the commissioning phase in space.

Dcubed Solution

The integrated Cube1G payload had to be tested and qualified for the final in-orbit demonstrator mission in the SeRANIS (Seamless Radio Access Networks for Internet of Space) project. Especially the high vibration loads were challenging for the design, and DLR experienced a nD3PP Pin Puller getting stuck after vibration testing.

To help, a Dcubed Customer Solutions Engineer went on-site to DLR to identify the cause as a galling material combination between the pin and the corresponding socket. The socket could be redesigned using a material combination suggested by Dcubed. With the updated parts in place, the payload was successfully shaker-qualified two weeks later.

Dcubed Impact

Dcubed was very supportive and developed solutions together with DLR engineers. The flexible and responsive support was one key to our successful development, alongside the key features of the nD3PP, including its form factor and compact design, as well as short lead time.

“The collaboration with Dcubed led to a streamlined, efficient and reliable CPA design. The small form factor of the Pin Puller, the short lead times and the support during trouble shooting helped throughout all phases of the project leading to a flawless Cube1G payload.”

Sidus Space

Maria — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 14:10:00 +0000

About Sidus Space

Sidus Space is an innovative space and defense technology provider delivering flexible, cost-effective solutions across satellite manufacturing, space-based data, AI/ML-driven services, mission planning, and space hardware. Best known for its LizzieSat® platform, Sidus Space designs, builds, and operates compact satellites that serve government, defense, intelligence, and commercial customers worldwide. Headquartered on Florida’s Space Coast, Sidus Space combines rapid innovation with proven space heritage to reimagine access to space.

Sidus Space’s Challenge

As the LizzieSat platform evolved toward a scalable micro-constellation, Sidus Space identified the need to upgrade its solar array deployment architecture. Earlier missions relied on internally developed, single-use burn wire release systems. While functional, these systems limited testability, slowed integration cycles, and introduced unnecessary risk as production volumes increased. Sidus Space required a more robust, resettable, and flight-proven solution that would accelerate testing, reduce integration risk, and support aggressive delivery timelines across multiple spacecraft.

Dcubed Solution

After evaluating several alternatives, Sidus Space selected Dcubed’s Nano Pin Pullers to deploy eight rigid solar arrays per LizzieSat spacecraft. Dcubed will supply 16 flight units for the next set of satellites, replacing burn wire systems with resettable Hold-Down and Release Mechanisms (HDRMs). Dcubed’s Nano Pin Pullers offer proven flight heritage, scalability, and rapid availability—enabling repeated test cycles without hardware replacement. Engineering models have already been delivered, with testing underway through Q4 2025, and flight unit delivery scheduled for December 2025.

Dcubed Impact

By integrating Dcubed’s Nano Pin Pullers, Sidus Space significantly improves its deployment architecture while reducing risk across satellite assembly and verification. Resettable release mechanisms enable faster iteration, more efficient testing campaigns, and greater confidence ahead of launch. This supports Sidus Space’s ability to scale the LizzieSat micro-constellation while maintaining precision, reliability, and schedule discipline—key factors as demand grows for faster and more flexible spacecraft production.

“Integrating Dcubed’s Nano Pin Pullers into our LizzieSat platform enhances our deployment architecture. Their resettable HDRMs enable rapid test cycles and reduce integration risk—capabilities that are critical as we scale our constellation under aggressive timelines.”

Intuitive Machines

Maria — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 14:02:53 +0000

Success Story

Intuitive Machines

Intuitive Machines is a leading space technology, infrastructure, and services company headquartered in Houston, TX, USA, which is building the Space Data Network (SDN)—a scalable, intelligent architecture designed to deliver minimal-latency space data services. From communications and autonomous coordination to space-based IoT powered by precision PNT technology, Intuitive Machines is laying the groundwork for sustained lunar operations and a new era of space-based data access.

Intuitive Machines' Challenge

To deploy the first segment of the SDN—the Lunar Data Network—Intuitive Machines required a highly reliable solar power subsystem for one of its initial satellites, scheduled for launch in 2026.

The mission demanded rapid proposal turnaround, accelerated delivery timelines, and a partner capable of delivering robust, space-ready hardware without compromising quality.

With five satellites planned, Intuitive Machines needed technology and a supplier able to keep pace with the speed, precision, and scalability of their lunar infrastructure vision.

Dcubed Solution

Dcubed was selected to deliver the solar array power subsystem for the first Intuitive Machines satellite. The solution includes two rigid deployable solar wings providing 2 kW end-of-life total power output, engineered to meet the mission’s performance and reliability requirements.

Leveraging its agile development capabilities and state-of-the-art robotic assembly line, Dcubed committed to an accelerated production and delivery schedule of less than 10 months.

The proposal was submitted within 72 hours of initial discussions, reflecting Dcubed’s responsiveness and technical credibility.

Dcubed Impact

Dcubed’s rapid execution and scalable solar array technology enable Intuitive Machines to move quickly toward establishing the Lunar Data Network.

With high-capacity data transmission, precision PNT services, autonomous operations, and scalable infrastructure support, the network will empower future missions with real-time coordination, resource prospecting, logistics, mobility, and long-duration lunar operations.

By accelerating the buildout of Intuitive Machines’ SDN architecture, Dcubed is contributing to foundational infrastructure for the next generation of lunar exploration.

“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.”

Genesis Space Flight Laboratories

Maria — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 10:09:19 +0000

Success Story

Genesis Space Flight Laboratories

Croatia-based Genesis Space Flight Laboratories is on a mission to make space research more accessible. After debuting with MAYASAT-1 — a 1U biological incubator launched on SpaceX’s Transporter-14 rideshare mission — the company secured seed funding to pursue three follow-up missions with its GEN Sample Return Capsule, targeting launch in 2026 and reentry in 2027.

Genesis Space Flight Laborotaries' Challenge

The GEN-1 capsule is one of the smallest space capsules ever developed. Designed for frequent microgravity experiments with sample return capability, it can be deployed from standard CubeSat and PocketQube dispensers and operate autonomously for up to nine months. Once the reentry trajectory is reached, the capsule detaches while its host satellite burns up.

Dcubed Solution

To solve this challenge, Genesis selected Dcubed’s nD3RN Nano Release Nut, a miniature, flight-proven Hold Down and Release Mechanism (HDRM) engineered for missions where space and mass are at a premium. For a system as compact as GEN-1, traditional separation rings were not feasible, and custom burn-wire mechanisms couldn’t guarantee the precision or repeatability required for reentry missions. Dcubed’s actuator offered a compact, lightweight, and reliable European-built solution — uniquely suited to the GEN capsule’s design constraints.

Dcubed Impact

In addition to the actuator’s technical performance, Dcubed’s flexibility and hands-on support were key factors in Genesis’s supplier decision. The Dcubed team delivered hardware ahead of schedule, organized separation testing at their facility, and collaborated closely with Genesis engineers to design a custom cup-and-cone interface to further minimize the risk of sticking during release. The nD3RN actuator demonstrated clean and repeatable separation during prototype tests at Dcubed HQ, even under stringent reentry-alignment requirements.

For Genesis, the choice of Dcubed wasn’t just about finding a product that fits — it was about finding a partner that could adapt, innovate, and deliver with the same precision and commitment they bring to their own work. Genesis and Dcubed are now working together toward the 2026 GEN-1 mission, marking another milestone in Europe’s growing ecosystem of small-space innovators and showcasing how precision-engineered deployables enable bold new possibilities in orbital research and return capabilities.

“Launching a payload to space is inherently complex, but achieving its safe return presents even greater challenges. Mission success with GEN depends on highly specialized solutions and subsystems, as well as collaboration with leading experts in the field. Dcubed is a highly professional, internationally recognized company with extensive experience providing actuators and solar arrays for numerous missions. We are honored to partner with them and have received support far beyond our expectations. We strongly recommend Dcubed for any project involving deployables.”

Quartus

Maria — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 13:43:09 +0000

About the Quartus Engineering Test

Quartus Engineering is a recognized leader in high-precision aerospace testing, with a focus on high reliability. Its key expertise is in analysis & testing, custom metrology solutions, robotics & mechanisms, and precision optical systems. When it had a requirement to capture some actuator shock test data, the company reached out to Dcubed to request some test units. For Dcubed, this was a great opportunity to independently verify the shock performance of its uD3RN Micro Release Nut via a partner with the technical know-how and advanced measurement tools needed to thoroughly test the device.

The goal of the campaign was to evaluate the mechanical shock produced by the uD3RN during release events and determine its suitability for shock-sensitive missions and payloads. These include spacecraft carrying fragile optical systems, deployable structures, or precision instruments where shock-imposed vibrations can be a risk. A secondary aim was to assess the repeatability and consistency of the device across multiple triggers under identical conditions.

A successful test would also further support Dcubed’s reputation as a component partner that can reliably deliver on ultra-low shock requirements. This is particularly important in the context of the “Test as you fly, fly as you test” protocol, which is now mandatory for spacecraft owners that want to fly on SpaceX rideshare missions.

Testing Setup

Quartus Engineering designed a custom test rig to simulate real-world launch and deployment scenarios. The setup incorporated representative masses and mounting structures to ensure that test results would closely mirror conditions in orbit.

Using a data acquisition system sampling at 100,000 times per second, the team captured an exceptionally detailed view of the nut’s shock behaviour during actuation. Over multiple test cycles, the uD3RN was actuated in a controlled environment while high-speed sensors recorded every detail of the release event—from initial trigger to full separation. This comprehensive dataset enabled the construction of a precise Shock Response Spectrum (SRS) for each actuation.

Dcubed Performance

The results, documented in this paper, speak for themselves. Across all trials, the Dcubed uD3RN Micro Release Nut consistently delivered exceptionally low SRS levels no greater than 330 g over a bandwidth of 10 Hz – 10 kHz, confirming its status as one of the lowest-shock release mechanisms currently available. The shock output remained highly stable between triggers, demonstrating a level of reliability and repeatability critical for space missions.

Conclusion

Thanks to this independent validation, mission designers now have a proven, flight-ready and ultra-low shock solution for deploying critical hardware with minimal mechanical disturbance—reducing risk and expanding what’s possible in spacecraft design.

Gama Space

Maria — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 13:38:21 +0000

Success Story

Gama Space

Gama is a French space start-up developing sails for space – firstly dragsails to deorbit spacecraft, subsequently solar sails to explore deep space at a fraction of today’s cost. Gama’s flagship product, Astrobrake, offers an economical, autonomous and reliable solution for passively deorbiting satellites, rocket stages and space station components, while fully complying with international space regulations.

Gama Space’s Challenge

For their first orbital demonstration, they needed a compact and reliable deployment solution that could function autonomously and withstand years in orbit. The design constraints were challenging: a 0.5U form factor, no power or fuel, a 4+ year dormancy period, and just 50 mm of clearance between hinge and release nut. They also needed something resettable for rapid testing.

Dcubed Solution

Dcubed’s nD3RN actuator was selected and quickly adapted to Gama’s tight specs. Its compact size, fast reset process, and simple mounting made integration and testing fast and efficient. The ability to test and reset within minutes accelerated development dramatically.

Dcubed Impact

For Gama Space, the greatest advantage of working with Dcubed has been the combination of technical impact and an outstanding working experience. That includes helping them solve design challenges, accelerating the development timeline and providing all the supplementary support and documentation required.

And the results speak for themselves. Astrobrake-S Gen0 reached TRL8 in early 2025 and is headed for launch in Q4. Gama has now selected the Dcubed nD3RN actuator again for Astrobrake Gen1, which will feature a larger sail, longer lifespan, and customizable deployment logic. Proof, if any were needed, that in Dcubed, Gama Space has found a partner it can rely on for the evolution of its space sail technology.

“Dcubed supported us not only in solving a key design challenge, but also in accelerating our development timeline. Within just a few weeks, we were able to test multiple HDRM configurations and identify the most suitable option for our system, thanks to the responsiveness and expertise of the Dcubed team. The simplicity and reliability of the deployment and reset process made testing significantly more efficient.”