Origami into space – How Dcubed unfolds satellites

Munich-based startup Dcubed develops deployable structures for satellites that only fully expand in space, thus enabling significantly larger solar arrays and antennas. Founder and CEO Thomas Sinn announced at the Munich Space Summit 2026 In an interview with Munich Startup, they presented their own demonstration mission with a 15-meter solar array and in-space manufacturing technology, as you can see in the video below.

Origami meets space travel: Why Dcubed sets new standards

What sets Dcubed apart from traditional aerospace suppliers is its consistent focus on structures designed not for rocket launches, but for optimal function in space. Inspiration comes not only from engineering, but also from nature and origami.

“I thought: Why don’t I look to nature? Because nature has already invested billions of years in optimization, and then it was the combination of origami and what you see in biology, like how leaves unfold, or how a dragonfly unfolds its wings, for example.”

says Thomas Sinn in conversation at the Munich Space Summit.

While rockets offer limited space, the need for large structures in orbit is rapidly increasing. Dcubed uses foldable designs and new manufacturing methods to resolve this conflict of objectives.

The company originated from Sinn's research on deployable structures during his doctoral studies, as well as from practical experience in the space industry – including a mission where key components were simply not available on the market.

Growing energy demand in space is driving development forward

The relevance of such technologies is currently increasing significantly. New applications in space are changing the requirements for satellites:

• Communication constellations require more power.
• Space-based data centers are being created
• Applications in orbit are scaling towards kilowatts and megawatts.

"There are many communication systems that don't just need a few hundred watts, but kilowatts or megawatts, and you can't launch all of that. So you really have to fold it and then unfold it when you're in space."

That's what Sinn said in an interview with Munich Startup.

In-Space Manufacturing: Production is shifting into space

A key technological approach of Dcubed Manufacturing takes place directly in space. This involves a type of "3D printing" where a UV-curing resin is applied to previously unfolded structures and then cured by sunlight. This method allows for the creation of particularly large and extremely lightweight structures. The crucial advantage is that the components no longer need to be fully designed to withstand the enormous stresses of a rocket launch, as part of the structure is created in orbit.

Off-the-shelf space hardware

Another key problem in the space industry is the limited availability of standardized components. Dcubed deliberately focuses on a platform approach, where products are no longer individually developed for each mission, but are available directly as standardized solutions. These can be produced scalably and easily obtained by customers – potentially even directly online. In doing so, the startup is transferring established principles from other industries to space travel, creating the foundation for faster development cycles and more efficient supply chains.

The trigger was a specific experience: A crucial trigger mechanism was missing for a mission – despite tight time constraints.

"I couldn't believe that such a trigger mechanism was nowhere available,"

says Sinn.

This approach makes it possible to reduce costs while simultaneously increasing quality. High-volume production significantly lowers manufacturing costs, while repeated qualification of standardized products increases reliability. At the same time, many individual development cycles, which have previously slowed down and increased the cost of every mission, are eliminated. Overall, this leads to more efficient processes in space exploration.

The space industry is traditionally considered conservative and dominated by large, state-owned players. However, with the market entry of SpaceX, the dynamics have fundamentally changed: Commercial business models in space are now a reality, triggering a wave of new space companies – including in Europe. These so-called New SpaceKey players are driving innovation. They are also open to new technologies to secure a competitive edge. For Dcubed, this opens up market access: initially through agile, innovation-driven companies, and increasingly through established corporations as well, once initial deployments and flight experience have established the necessary foundation of trust.

Technical risk: If nothing unfolds

One of the greatest risks in spaceflight remains the faulty deployment of structures, particularly solar panels, as a failure in this area often renders the entire satellite inoperable. Dcubed addresses this challenge with redundant systems, thermal backup mechanisms, and close collaboration with customers right from the design process. This allows potential sources of error to be minimized early on. At the same time, even extensive ground-based tests—for example, under vibration, vacuum, or temperature conditions—reach their limits, as they can only partially replicate the real conditions in space.