CRP Technology reports that a satellite dispenser has been 3D printed using its Windform XT 2.0 carbon-reinforced composite material.
Plans are for the AlbaPod V2 to take nine satellites to orbit on a SpaceX Falcon 9 launch vehicle.
The parts were manufactured by CRP Technology in its plant in Modena, Italy.
The company’s USA business has also used laser sintered composite material to make the TuPOD, reportedly the first complete 3D printed satellite deployer launched from the ISS, a 3D printed 3U CubeSat and a dispensing system for two tube satellites, and the Discovery 1a, a space-ready functional prototype.
This story uses material from CRP, with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier.
