Miniature satellite manufacturerMini-Cubes，在3D打印服务提供商的帮助下美国CRP，已经开发并生产了三个3D打印的，可飞行的袖珍Qubes。
The satellites were manufactured out of a carbon fiber reinforced composite material,WindformXT 2.0, using polymer SLS technology. According to Mini-Cubes, it is the first company in the world to employ the material type for this specific application – with promising results, no less.
A 3D printed Discovery
Mini-Cubes’ satellite is named Discovery, and its primary purpose is to monitor natural resources on the surface of the Earth. This particular project was intended as a proof-of-concept for the company’s design. Joe Latrell, CEO of Mini-Cubes, had his first run-in with additive manufacturing a few years ago when he was prototyping rocket fins for his former aerospace employer. Seeking to leverage the technology once again, he turned to CRP USA to 3D print the frame of the satellite in its entirety.
Latrell解释说：“我们想包括一个用于视觉观察的摄像头，只是为了看看是否可以完成。如果该过程有效，我们可以使用该技术来创建一个仅用于监视特定资源的Pocketqube卫星星座。就我们而言，该资源是水。”
通往轨道的挑战
The two main challenges faced in the development stage were miniaturization and material compatibility. Latrell, in his initial vision, pictured a satellite with an internal volume of just 50 x 50 x 50mm. Within its chamber would be a camera, a radio system, and all the electronics required to monitor Earth from several hundred miles away.
The manufacturing of the external shell was no easy feat either, as a failure in one part meant the failure of the whole spacecraft. After much deliberation with CRP USA, Latrell eventually decided on carbon fiber reinforced Windform XT 2.0, a material that strikes a great balance between mechanical properties and printability.
Latrell adds: “The combination of strength and ease of use made the material a natural choice for us. We knew we wanted to use additive manufacturing for Discovery but understood that it would be hard to find something that would work in the harsh environment of space. We discovered Windform®XT 2.0并查看其属性后，这是一个简单的选择。”
Interstellar testing
该项目涉及印刷三个功能发现原型。两人用于测试，而最后一个将被发送到轨道上。迷你立方体声称，原型已经通过了许多测试，例如20公斤负载测试，aNASAGEVS-7000规格振动测试和真空测试。袖珍Qubes还存活了50之间的温度°C和-40°C。Latrell计划在2021年第2季度首次在轨道上测试发现。
随着私人组织开始真正了解该技术的细微差别，最终使用航空航天组件的增材制造正变得越来越受欢迎。就在这个月英国航空公司公司Orbex宣布了它3D印刷火箭将是第一个发射的来自英国的新太空港 - “ Sutherland Space Hub”。SLM印刷发动机以液体氧和丙烷运行，设计为环保。
Elsewhere, aerospace firmArianegroup宣布了成功的成功测试3D printed rocket combustion chamber。涉及大量测试圈14 fire tests between 26 May and 2 June 2020 on the P8 test bench of theDLR German Aerospace Center’sLampoldshausen testing facility.
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特色图像显示了Windforf框架的首次组件。通过迷你立方体照片。
