Tags: CubeSat, Nanosatellite, Satellite Launch
Publication: TechNewsDaily.com
Publication Date: 11/26/2012

The body of this CubeSat was produced by a 3D printer. Image credit: Jacopo Piattoni

Engineers from the University of Rome and University of Bologna have designed a space-ready CubeSat manufactured using a 3D printer. This development could drive the already low-cost production of nanosatellites to a new low by automating the manufacturing process.

Often used to design prototypes of a product, the 3D printer allowed researchers to create the chassis of the satellite using ABS plastic, a material resilient to extreme temperatures and radiation, key aspects for the research. The sensors and computer chips of the satellite were not printed.

Researchers tested the satellite in near-space conditions and reported successful results. Now the team is working on testing it in real conditions by launching it to space. They are working with QB50, which will place 50 CubeSats in orbit at once in 2014.

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