Germany's Dcubed announces the ARAQYS-D3 mission. The company wants to print and demonstrate a 2-kilowatt (kW) solar panel in space. Dcubed also wants to test applications in the field of energy transfer via radiation and directed energy, and the use of electrical propulsion for high-speed changes (delta-v).
Dcubed is a German aerospace company specialising in the production of extendable mechanisms, actuators, antennas and solar panels for satellites. A key focus here is the development of technology that allows parts to be produced in space, including solar panels. This way, the components do not need to be launched, which can reduce costs and also remove constraints arising from launch. The company was founded in 2019 in Munich, Germany. It also has a facility in Berthoud in the US state of Colorado.
Solar panel of 2 kW
The ARAQYS-D3 mission now announced also contributes to this goal. The mission aims to produce a 2 kW solar panel in space and demonstrate its capabilities in space. The ARAQYS-D3 satellite is produced by Astro Digital, a satellite platform supplier based in Berthoud, USA. The company says it deliberately chose a player in close proximity to its US facility to facilitate cooperation.
"The ARAQYS-D3 satellite is going to show how production in space and large-scale power generation will enable a new class of small satellites. These satellites can generate, store and transfer the energy needed for the next generation of orbital missions," said Chris Biddy, CEO of Astro Digital.
Launched via SpaceX Rideshare mission
The launch of the satellite is being handled by Maverick Space Systems, which is also providing launch support. This will involve the use of a SpaceX Rideshare mission, through which SpaceX allows companies to put small satellites into orbit at relatively low cost.
Dr Sinn of Dcubed points out the value of international cooperation: "These partnerships bring Europe and the United States closer together and unite two space ecosystems to shape the future of satellite design and energy supply in space."
Builds on other missions
ARAQYS-D3 builds on two other missions, which have now been prepared and are scheduled for the first quarter:
- ARAQYS-D1: a 3U satellite that will produce a 60-centimetre-long structure directly in space.
- ARAQYS-D2: a mission that will print and deploy a 1-metre-long solar panel aboard Exotrail's next SpaceVan mission.
These two missions form the basis for the technology to be applied on a larger scale in ARAQYS-D3.
