The goal of the two-year project, which starts in January 2024, is the practical research and development of technologies for production in space, so-called In-Space Manufacturing (ISM). Dcubed plans to conduct the world's first demonstration of this method in open space this year. Further tests in 2025 will help further develop the technology to market-ready operational readiness.
Specifically, the technology will be used to 3D-print the support structures of satellite solar panels from photopolymer in space. Currently, these are prefabricated and installed on Earth. For transport, they are then equipped with a complex unfolding mechanism that expands the panels to their actual size in orbit. Manufacturing in space would eliminate this and eliminate potential sources of error. The finished parts would also no longer be exposed to the great stresses of a rocket launch. Furthermore, the startupthat ISM-printed panels are lighter, cheaper and more powerful than current solutions.
The increased availability of energy in space will make it possible to equip satellites with significantly greater computing power in the future. Furthermore, this can significantly increase data transmission rates to Earth. In the longer term, the findings from the current research project should pave the way for the manufacture of significantly larger structures and products in space. This would open up entirely new potential for space for business and research.
Dcubed: “The highest funding we have ever received for this technology”
The total project volume amounts to more than one million dollars, of which the Free State is providing nearly two-thirds. The funding is provided within the framework of the Bavarian Space Research Program, through which the state government supports the development of space technologies to address future societal challenges.
Thomas Sinn, CEO and founder of Dcubed, says:
"The support from the Bavarian government represents the largest amount of funding we've ever received for this technology: This is a great endorsement of our capabilities. On this basis, we're striving to do something that's never been done before: We want to be the first to demonstrate that the production of structures directly in space is possible. And we want to be the first to develop the manufacturing capacities in space to market maturity."
Markus Pietras, Professor of Aerospace Engineering at the Munich University of Applied Sciences, adds:
"We look forward to further intensifying our already proven partnership with Dcubed. Together, we are doing truly pioneering work: The ability to manufacture in space will open up entirely new potential for business and science. This will allow us to benefit even more from space-based technologies on Earth in the future."
And Dietmar Schneyer, Head of the Aerospace and Mobility Department at the Bavarian State Ministry for Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, explains:
"Promoting innovative technologies in the field of space travel is an important step toward further strengthening Bavaria as a center for high-tech. The commitment of Dcubed and the Munich University of Applied Sciences in the field of in-space manufacturing is an impressive example of how research and industry can work together to push the boundaries of what's possible."
