ARAQYS-D2: Towards the First On-Orbit Demonstration of In-Space Manufacturing for Large-Area Solar Arrays

This paper presents ARAQYS-D2, the first free-space demonstration of photopolymer extrusion—a UV-curable resin process designed to rigidize a flexible photovoltaic blanket. The mission, scheduled for launch in late 2025, will validate three objectives: (1) extrusion of structural booms in open space, (2) mechanical support of a membrane with an in-space manufactured (ISM) structure, and (3) power generation from an ISM-supported array. We detail the system architecture, accelerated development cycle, and qualification testing, and discuss scalability toward large-aperture solar arrays for high-power spacecraft.