Weight has always been a crucial factor in space development. The heavier an object, the more expensive its journey into space. Therefore, ever smaller and therefore lighter satellites are the trend. At the same time, however, they are expected to be increasingly capable, which requires large solar panels for power supply, larger antennas for high-speed data transmission, and larger radiators for heat dissipation. To fit all of these otherwise large systems into the small satellites, designers are relying on foldable structures. In space, they are then reduced to their actual size with the help of actuators.
The Munich startup Dcubed develops, produces, and markets such actuators, currently in "nano" format. The Nano Release Nut, for example, which is used when screw connections need to be loosened, measures 17 x 17 x 17 mm. The next generation is expected to be even smaller, measuring just a few millimeters. The actuator, based on a shape-memory alloy (SMA), is intended to be powered by the satellite's onboard power supply and provide feedback on the deployment status. This would make it significantly superior to the technology previously used in nanosatellites: The burn wires used hold the structure down until they are severed by a thermal knife. This means they are neither resettable nor can their use be tested.
Federal funding for Dcubed and Memetis
Dcubed partnered with Memetis to develop the new actuator. The Karlsruhe-based company specializes in microactuators based on shape memory alloy technology. The partners received funding for their project as part of the Central Innovation Program for SMEs (ZIM) of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK). ZIM is the largest innovation program for SMEs in Germany and supports innovative, commercially active companies that want to develop new products or technical services or significantly improve existing ones. The PAKKS project started in July and will last 18 months, including the test campaign.
In addition to cooperation between companies, the ZIM also supports the research and development activities of individual companies. Funding applications are currently open again. Further information is available from the ZIM at his website ready.
