DcubeD
DcubeD is a German NewSpace hardware company that designs and manufactures release actuators and deployable solar arrays for small satellite integrators, constellation operators, space agencies, and lunar mission customers worldwide, selling via e-commerce and enterprise channels.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2018
- HeadquartersGermering, Germany
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What DcubeD does
DcubeD is a German NewSpace hardware company founded in 2018 by Thomas Sinn and incorporated as DcubeD GmbH in December 2019, headquartered in Germering near Munich with a wholly-owned US subsidiary (DcubeD USA Inc.) in Denver/Berthoud, Colorado established in August 2024. The company designs and manufactures release actuators and deployable structures for small satellites, with two core product lines: Hold-Down Release Mechanisms (HDRMs) including Release Nuts and Pin Pullers built on patented Shape Memory Material technology, and Solar Arrays (body-mounted, rigid-deployable, and origami configurations) using proprietary origami folding structures. Products are sold as commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) units via a self-serve e-commerce storefront (6-day actuator shipping) and through an enterprise sales channel for constellation customers, supported by ISO 9001:2015 certification and 100% German manufacturing with no export control restrictions.
The company has delivered over 1,500 flight-proven units to 130-140 customers across 15 countries and four continents, serving SmallSat and CubeSat integrators, constellation operators (e.g., Sidus Space's LizzieSat, EnduroSat's FRAME platform, FOSSA Systems), space agencies and research institutions (NASA, DLR, LASP, University of Bern), and lunar/deep space missions (Intuitive Machines). Revenue mechanics are predominantly one-time hardware sales on a pay-as-you-go basis, with longer-cycle solar array deliveries (6 months) and forward-looking multi-year contracts tied to the ARAQYS in-space power and power-as-a-service roadmap. Go-to-market blends product-led e-commerce with enterprise field sales and event-driven demand generation at forums such as IAC.
DcubeD is funded through a 2019 EXIST grant, 2020 seed, 2021 round, and an oversubscribed Series A in August 2024 (~$4.8M) plus EIC Accelerator support, and has expanded into adjacent product categories under the ARAQYS sub-brand, including in-space manufactured (ISM) solar arrays and a 2kW power beaming demonstration (ARAQYS-D3) manifested for a SpaceX Rideshare in Q1 2027. Strategic partnerships span EnduroSat (serial production), Intuitive Machines (lunar Space Data Network), Sidus Space (constellation supply), Solestial and Flexell Space (solar cell technology), and a five-partner ARAQYS-D3 consortium with Astro Digital, Maverick Space Systems, ORiS, Volta Space Technologies and TerraSpark.
DcubeD firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- DcubeD
- Legal name
- Dcubed GmbH
- Website
- https://dcubed.space
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2018
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- DcubeD is a German NewSpace hardware company that designs and manufactures release actuators and deployable solar arrays for small satellite integrators, constellation operators, space agencies, and lunar mission customers worldwide, selling via e-commerce and enterprise channels.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
DcubeD industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Space Hardware and Satellite Components
- NAICS
- Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414)
- SIC
- Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Space Structures, Mechanisms & Thermal Control (IMABACAF)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Space Power Systems (Solar Arrays, Batteries, EPS) (IMABACAH)
Keywords
Where DcubeD is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Germering
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices3 records
Markets served
DcubeD business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Release Actuators: Sale of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) release actuators including Release Nuts and Pin Pullers. Products ship in 6 days with immediate availability. 100% made in Germany with no export control restrictions.
- Solar Arrays: Turnkey power generation subsystems including body-mounted, rigid-deployable, and origami solar arrays. Ship time of 6 months. Includes launch lock, substrate, and solar cells.
- In-Space Manufacturing (ISM) Solar Arrays: Next-generation ISM solar array subsystems manufactured directly in orbit, paving way for ARAQYS power-as-a-service infrastructure.
- ARAQYS Power-as-a-Service: Future revenue stream from space-based power generation and distribution services, enabling satellites to access external power sources for extended missions.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Release Actuators - Release Nuts and Pin Pullers |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Solar Arrays - Body-Mounted, Rigid-Deployable, Origami |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | ARAQYS ISM Solar Arrays |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
DcubeD product offering
Product offeringCore offering
DcubeD manufactures and sells commercial off-the-shelf Release Actuators (Hold-Down Release Mechanisms including Release Nuts and Pin Pullers using patented Shape Memory Materials) and Solar Arrays (Body-Mounted, Rigid-Deployable, and Origami configurations) for CubeSat, SmallSat, and ESPA-class spacecraft. The company also sells turnkey power generation subsystems with launch lock, substrate, and solar cells, and is developing next-generation in-space manufactured (ISM) solar arrays under the ARAQYS sub-brand.
Product overview
DcubeD is a German NewSpace company offering two core product lines: Release Actuators (HDRMs using patented Shape Memory Materials including Release Nuts and Pin Pullers) and Solar Arrays (Body-Mounted, Rigid-Deployable, and Origami configurations). Products are sold as commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions with immediate availability and e-commerce purchase process. The company also operates under the ARAQYS sub-brand for space-based power solutions, including in-space manufactured (ISM) solar arrays and power beaming capabilities for the ARAQYS-D1/D2/D3 missions. All products are 100% made in Germany with no export control restrictions.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- ARAQYS: Power solution brand for space, providing in-space manufactured solar arrays and power beaming capabilities. ARAQYS-D3 is the mission demonstrating 2kW in-space-manufactured solar array for power beaming and directed energy applications.
Products and services
- Release Actuators Patented Hold-Down Release Mechanisms (HDRM) using Shape Memory Materials technology for securing spacecraft equipment during launch and releasing it safely on orbit. Includes resettable actuators enabling hundreds of test cycles without refurbishment.
- Release Nuts Hold-down release mechanisms available in multiple sizes (Micro Release Nut uD3RN and Nano Release Nut nD3RN) providing preload forces for securing spacecraft components during launch.
- Pin Pullers Shape memory alloy-based actuators for extracting pins to release deployable structures, available in Nano (nD3PP) configurations for CubeSat and SmallSat applications.
- Solar Arrays
Quantifiable outcome
- 30% supply cost reduction for customers like Dhruva Space
- +8 more outcomes
Companies that use DcubeD
Customer profileNamed customers14 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
DcubeD technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
DcubeD partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered key, core, supporting and foundational.
- TerraSparkkeyTerraSpark and Dcubed are set to test space solar technology on a SpaceX mission scheduled for 2027. TerraSpark is a European startup developing space-based solar energy using a modular approach, capturing solar energy in space and transmitting to Earth via RF.
- ORiSkeyPower beaming partner for ARAQYS-D3 mission. Italian company leading in laser power beaming for space and defense applications, distributing space-based energy to satellite operators.
- Volta Space TechnologieskeyPower beaming partner for ARAQYS-D3 mission. Building energy grid for sustainable lunar operations, enabling endless and affordable power to lunar surface missions with Optical Wireless Power Transmission.
- EnduroSatcoreStrategic partnership to support serial production of EnduroSat's next-generation ESPA-class FRAME satellite platform. Dcubed supplies Micro Release Nuts (uD3RN) for critical deployment functions. Partnership emphasizes secure supply chain and aggressive delivery schedule.
- Sidus SpacecoreSupply agreement for 16 Nano Pin Pullers for LizzieSat satellites, supporting constellation scaling with resettable HDRM technology.
- Astro DigitalkeyAstro Digital building the ARAQYS-D3 satellite platform for Dcubed's in-space power demonstration mission. Located near Dcubed USA headquarters in Berthoud, CO, enabling tight collaboration between European and American teams.
- Maverick Space SystemssupportingLaunch integration partner brokering ARAQYS-D3 launch on SpaceX Rideshare mission and providing launch management and integration services.
- Intuitive MachinescoreSolar array supply for Intuitive Machines' first Space Data Network satellite, featuring 2kW rigid deployable solar wings for Lunar Data Network.
- Flexell SpacecoreMOU signed at IAC 2025 in Sydney, Australia for strengthening solar array collaboration between EU and Asia. Flexell Space brings innovative solar cells with 90% weight reduction and 60% cost savings, combining with Dcubed's proven deployable solar array systems.
- Quartus EngineeringsupportingIndependent testing partner conducting rigorous test campaign for Dcubed's Micro Release Nut (uD3RN) at 34th Aerospace Testing Seminar, validating ultra-low shock performance claims.
- SolestialkeyPartnership to make the first In Space Manufactured (ISM) Solar Array prototype, combining Solestial's solar cell technology with Dcubed's deployable solar array systems.
- ESA Business Incubation Center (ESA BIC)foundationalEarly company incubation at ESA BIC following founding, providing startup support and resources for space technology development.
Scale indicators14 records
Recent moves10 records
Expansion highlights6 records
DcubeD competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Beyond Gravity (formerly RUAG Space): Swiss space equipment manufacturer producing mechanisms, structures, and deployable systems for satellites. Directly comparable as a supplier of HDRMs, release devices, and deployable structures serving the same commercial and institutional satellite market.
- AAC Clyde Space: Swedish/UK small-satellite supplier offering subsystems including power systems and structures for CubeSats and SmallSats. Comparable in providing standardized, commercial-grade subsystems to the NewSpace market.
- DHV Technology: Spanish manufacturer of solar arrays and solar panels for small satellites and CubeSats. Direct competitor in the space solar array segment DcubeD addresses with its rigid-deployable and origami offerings.
- GomSpace: Danish supplier of CubeSat and SmallSat subsystems including power, structures, and deployable elements. Direct peer in commercial-grade small-satellite components serving the same customer base.
- Redwire Space: US space infrastructure company offering deployable structures, solar arrays, and spacecraft mechanisms. Direct competitor in deployable solar arrays and a current DcubeD customer, indicating head-to-head overlap in some bids and partnership in others.
- ISISpace (Innovative Solutions In Space): Dutch supplier of CubeSat platforms, deployers, and smallsat subsystems. Comparable as a small-sat component and subsystem provider addressing the same commercial and academic customer segments.
- Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace: Norwegian supplier of space mechanisms including separation systems, release devices, and deployable structures. Comparable in producing flight-proven spacecraft mechanisms for small-sat and larger missions.
- SENER Aeroespacial: Spanish space mechanism and deployable structures supplier for institutional and commercial missions. Direct peer in spacecraft release and deployment mechanisms with comparable flight heritage.
Emerging players
- Pumpkin Space Systems: US supplier of CubeSat structures, deployables, and smallsat hardware. Comparable as a smaller, specialized supplier of structural and deployable components for the CubeSat/SmallSat segment DcubeD targets.
Broad incumbents
- Moog Inc. Large US aerospace supplier with a space actuation and mechanisms business spanning launch and spacecraft applications. Comparable as a broader incumbent offering release actuators and electromechanical space hardware, though across a much wider portfolio.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
DcubeD social profiles
Digital presenceDcubeD compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
DcubeD financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
DcubeD leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
DcubeD subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
DcubeD funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds4 records
Investors9 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
DcubeD M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about DcubeD
What does DcubeD do?
DcubeD manufactures and sells commercial off-the-shelf Release Actuators (Hold-Down Release Mechanisms including Release Nuts and Pin Pullers using patented Shape Memory Materials) and Solar Arrays (Body-Mounted, Rigid-Deployable, and Origami configurations) for CubeSat, SmallSat, and ESPA-class spacecraft. The company also sells turnkey power generation subsystems with launch lock, substrate, and solar cells, and is developing next-generation in-space manufactured (ISM) solar arrays under the ARAQYS sub-brand.
Is DcubeD a public or private company?
DcubeD is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was DcubeD founded?
DcubeD was founded in 2018. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is DcubeD based?
DcubeD is headquartered in Germering, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does DcubeD make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Release Actuators are the primary driver. The others are solar Arrays, in-Space Manufacturing (ISM) Solar Arrays and ARAQYS Power-as-a-Service.
Who are DcubeD's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Beyond Gravity (formerly RUAG Space), AAC Clyde Space, DHV Technology, GomSpace, Redwire Space, ISISpace (Innovative Solutions In Space), Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and SENER Aeroespacial. Pumpkin Space Systems is listed as an emerging player. Moog Inc. is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does DcubeD have an API?
No public API is recorded for DcubeD.
What industry is DcubeD in?
DcubeD's product category is Space Hardware and Satellite Components. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABACAF, Space Structures, Mechanisms & Thermal Control, with a secondary code of IMABACAH, Space Power Systems (Solar Arrays, Batteries, EPS). Its NAICS code is 336414 and its SIC code is 3760.