ARAQYS Multi-Kilowatt ISM Solar Array
Provision of previously unattainable power generation in orbit through Dcubed's proprietary technology – enabling sustained, energy-intensive defensive operations.
ORBITAL WINGMAN
Power. Protect. Deter. Counter.
Powering satellites and active satellite defense for critical allied space assets – non-kinetic, rapidly deployable, and fully aligned with NATO's Space Security Strategy.
Mission Concept
Your Satellite's Dedicated Defender in Orbit
In modern, contested space operations, every satellite requires active protection – a "wingman" that ensures its security, resilience, and mission continuity. Dcubed's ORBITAL WINGMAN concept provides allied satellites with a dedicated defensive companion: a cost-effective, rapidly deployable satellite equipped with directed energy defensive solutions.
Dcubed's ORBITAL WINGMAN is fully aligned with the German Ministry of Defence's Space Security Strategy (BMVg, 2025) and its dual "shield-and-sword" philosophy. It combines protective measures (shield) with active, non-kinetic counter-space capabilities (sword) and supports Germany's and NATO's strategic objective of preserving freedom of action in space.
ORBITAL WINGMAN in Action
See the Mission Come to Life
The Threat Environment
Space is No Longer a Safe Haven
Hostile proximity operations have become a defining feature of adversarial activities in orbit. Hostile actors routinely deploy so-called "inspector" satellites – spacecraft with precise maneuvering capability, close-range reconnaissance functions, and potentially disruptive or destructive behavior.
GEO Threats
Hostile inspector satellites have approached allied systems – including European government and military assets – to distances of 10–30 km in geostationary orbit for reconnaissance and potential interference.
LEO Close Approaches
Hostile inspector satellites have flown as close as 50 meters to allied assets in low Earth orbit – close enough for high-resolution imaging, signal manipulation, or physical interference.
Dogfighting Threats
Hostile satellites have already demonstrated rendezvous maneuvers at meter-level distances in GEO as well as robotic manipulation capabilities – a clear indicator of hostile space intent.
Internationally Acknowledged
These incidents have been publicly acknowledged by France, Germany, the United States, and NATO – marking a clear turning point. Space is now an operational domain in which allied satellites are actively monitored, constrained, or threatened.
The Solution
Four Capabilities in One Platform
The ORBITAL WINGMAN satellite is designed to protect and support a defined primary satellite – commercial, governmental, or military – by operating in close formation at distances ranging from several hundred meters to a few kilometers.
Directed Energy
A non-kinetic system for disrupting or deterring hostile inspector satellites using laser or RF-based directed energy – no debris, no escalation, immediate and reversible effect.
Power-Beaming Capability
Wireless energy transfer to the protected satellite to extend mission lifetime, enable night-time operations, and increase overall system availability and resilience.
Flexible Deployment
ORBITAL WINGMAN satellites can be launched together with the protected asset or pre-positioned in orbit and maneuvered into escort position on demand. Two to three recommended per high-value asset.
Counter-Space Effectiveness
ORBITAL WINGMAN's directed energy capabilities can neutralize a wide range of hostile satellite subsystems through targeted, non-kinetic effects:
- Temporary dazzling of optical sensors
- Overloading and overheating of solar arrays
- Jamming communications
- Short-circuiting sensitive electronics
- Physical damage of critical components
- Overheating of thermal systems
Pathfinder Mission
Araqys-D3: Validating the Concept
To validate the operational concept and enable early involvement of military users, Dcubed is currently building the ORBITAL WINGMAN Pathfinder Mission (Araqys-D3).
Satellite Mass
Power Generation
2027
SpaceX Launch secured
DE Tech Demonstrations
Power Beaming and Directed Energy Tech Demo
3× Laser & 2× Microwave
Contact
Protect Your Assets in Space
Reach out today to find out more about ORBITAL WINGMAN and
how it can help you protect your assets in space.