Dcubed Chosen to Provide Solar Array for Intuitive Machines’ First Space Data Network Satellite
Dcubed today announced that it has been selected by Intuitive Machines, a leading space technology, infrastructure and services company, to provide solar power for one of Intuitive Machines’ first Space Data Network (SDN) satellites. The SDN is a scalable, intelligent network architecture designed to deliver minimal latency space data services like communications, autonomous coordination, and space-based IoT, powered by Intuitive Machines’ core communications, Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) technology. Dcubed’s solar array technology will power the initial spacecraft, scheduled for 2026.
Dcubed will deliver the solar array power subsystem for the first of six Intuitive Machines satellites. The system includes two rigid deployable solar wings with a 2 kW end-of-life total power output. Leveraging Dcubed’s agile development capabilities and robust supply chain, Dcubed has committed to a rapid delivery schedule. Moreover, the construction of the array will leverage Dcubed’s state of the art robotic assembly line that is key to Dcubed’s industrialization strategy.
“The data network we’re building lays the foundation for sustainable lunar operations by providing data, transmission, and navigation services essential for exploration and infrastructure so customers can access, coordinate, and act on space data with minimal latency,” said Gary Spexarth, Lander Production Manager for Intuitive Machines. “Dcubed’s responsiveness and reliable solar array technology support the pace and precision required to deploy the Lunar Data Network as part of our broader Space Data Network.”
The Lunar Data Network is the first segment of an SDN that Intuitive Machines is building, enabling:
High-capacity data transmission, like 4K video and precision PNT services to support landing site selection, resource prospecting, and autonomous mobility.
Autonomous operations, delivering infrastructure, logistics, and mapping capabilities to support sustained lunar exploration.
Scalable support for lunar cargo and infrastructure delivery, strengthening long-duration operations and expanding access to lunar surface assets.
Dcubed’s proposal was submitted within 72 hours of the initial discussion and quickly resulted in an agreement, thanks to the company’s technical credibility, responsive team, and commitment to accelerated delivery.
“Partnering with Intuitive Machines for such a pivotal mission is a proud moment for our team,” said Erik Pranckh, US Managing Director, Dcubed. “This project demonstrates the agility and reliability of our solar array technology today, while aligning with our longer-term vision to pioneer in-space manufactured (ISM) solar arrays that will power the space infrastructure of the future.”