{"id":35558,"date":"2025-12-04T07:26:30","date_gmt":"2025-12-04T07:26:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/metaverseplanet.net\/blog\/?p=35558"},"modified":"2025-12-04T07:26:33","modified_gmt":"2025-12-04T07:26:33","slug":"solar-panel-production-with-3d-printers-begins-in-orbit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/metaverseplanet.net\/blog\/solar-panel-production-with-3d-printers-begins-in-orbit\/","title":{"rendered":"Solar Panel Production with 3D Printers Begins in Orbit"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Dcubed<\/strong> aims to manufacture solar panels<\/strong> directly in space in 2027<\/strong>. Thanks to the ARAQYS system<\/strong>, the company aims to reduce costs and eliminate payload issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As commercial space flights<\/strong> continue to accelerate, the demand for solar panels<\/strong> for spacecraft is increasing rapidly. To meet this need, Dcubed<\/strong> is developing the ARAQYS system<\/strong>, which will be capable of manufacturing solar panels<\/strong> directly in orbit<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Goal of In-Orbit Panel Production<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The energy needs of satellites<\/a><\/em><\/strong> in orbit<\/strong> are generally met by solar panels<\/strong>. Space is an extremely suitable energy source as it lacks the obstructing effects of the atmosphere, weather conditions, and the day-night cycle. However, the weight and transportability issues of existing panels require additional mechanisms during launch<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These mechanisms, which allow the panels to unfold, create extra mass and must withstand the acceleration, vibration, and acoustic stresses of the rocket<\/a><\/em> takeoff<\/strong>. This situation increases costs while reducing the available payload capacity<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dcubed<\/strong> aims to overcome these problems with ARAQYS<\/strong>. The system manufactures the panels directly in orbit<\/strong>, eliminating the folding and unfolding mechanism. Consequently, the cost per kilowatt<\/strong> is predicted to drop significantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ARAQYS<\/strong> is built upon an ultra-thin<\/strong>, flexible<\/strong>, and lightweight solar blanket<\/strong>. Once the satellite reaches orbit<\/strong>, the blanket unfolds, and subsequently, a 3D printer<\/a><\/em><\/strong> prints the rigid back structure of the panels. The powerful UV rays<\/strong> of space rapidly harden the resin<\/strong>, creating a durable structure. This method allows for a manifold reduction in costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dcubed<\/strong> is planning a series of trial missions to validate the system. The first mission aims to construct a 60 cm long panel this year. This will be followed by a 1-meter version and an operational demo with a 2 kW capacity in 2027<\/strong>. Following success, commercial products<\/strong> are expected to be offered for sale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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