Dcubed 1 (Araqys D1)

Dcubed 1 (Araqys D1) [Dcubed]

Dcubed-1 (ARAQYS-D1) is a 3U CubeSat manufactured by Dcubed of Germany. The satellite is designed to demonstrate in-space manufacturing by producing a 60 cm boom directly in orbit rather than deploying a pre-fabricated structure.

The primary mission objective is to validate additive manufacturing of a structural element in free space. Instead of unfolding or extending a stowed boom, Dcubed-1 will fabricate the 60 centimeter element after orbital insertion. The demonstration is intended to prove the feasibility of constructing spacecraft structures progressively in orbit. According to the company, this represents its first in-space manufacturing mission and serves as a technology pathfinder for future large-scale space-based power generation systems.

Dcubed develops deployable space structures and in-space manufacturing technologies. The ARAQYS-D1 payload integrates a compact additive manufacturing system within the constraints of a 3U CubeSat form factor. The system is engineered to operate autonomously in microgravity and vacuum conditions, managing material extrusion and structural formation without terrestrial support. The mission is focused on validating manufacturing control, material behavior, and structural integrity in orbit.