First 3D printed composite material 1P pico-satellite ready to launch

Joe Latrell, CEO of Mini-Cubes, and his team did this on the principle that virtually anyone can reach space today. With PocketQube satellites, they hope to achieve a better grasp on resource monitoring and give the public a chance to be among the stars.

Recently Joseph Latrell and his team started a new project based on a new 1P PocketQube flight-ready, named Discovery.

He turned to CRP USA for the manufacture of the entire satellite frame via additive manufacturing.

CRP USA, 3D printing company based in Mooresville (NC), has built a considerable experience supplying cutting-edge solutions for space key industry leaders using laser sintering process and Windform TOP-LINE reinforced composite materials, created by Italy-based CRP Technology.

The primary objective of the project was proof of concept for satellites this small.

Latrell explained: “We wanted to include a camera for visual observation, again just to see if it could be done. If the process works, we see using the technology to create a constellation of PocketQube satellites just for monitoring a specific resource. In our case that resource is water.”

Latrell went to professional 3D printing since he has been a fan of Additive Manufacturing for some time now. He explains: “I first used the process for making prototype rocket fins when I worked at an aerospace company.

“When we started working on Discovery, I knew I wanted to push the boundaries of what was possible – everything from the small satellite form factor to the technology used to make it. For that reason I decided to involve CRP USA team and their director of operations, Stewart Davis. I knew that with their expertise and experience in the sector, they would be the ultimate technological partner for the project.”

The challenge

The main challenges were related to the small dimension of the satellite and to the material - since it was the first time that an entire satellite would be built from a Carbon-composite material.

Latrell comments: “Discovery is a PocketQube satellite. These are spacecraft that are as small at 50mm x 50mm x 50mm internal volume. Our particular satellite is a demonstration of what can be done for remote sensing of Earth’s resources on that scale. The challenge with something so small is to fit the electronics, camera, and radio system into it.

The assignment was tough - the Windform parts in the Discovery would be mission critical.

Latrell clarifies: “This was the first time an entire satellite would be manufactured from a material like Windform® XT 2.0. Performance is everything. If any one of the parts fail, it would result in complete failure of the spacecraft.”

But thanks to the long-term experience gained in the field of Additive Manufacturing service alongside the key leaders of the most advanced industrial sectors CRP USA accepted the challenge and won it.

“Joe’s team brings a unique challenge as they are packing a lot in a small package. Our team was able to use our experience with Windform® to help move the project forward,” stated Stewart Davis “Adapting to new and complex applications has become key to CRP USA’s further advancement.”

The material of choice

For the manufacture of Discovery 1a, Joe Latrell and CRP USA staff decided to use Carbon-fiber reinforced Windform XT 2.0.

As Latrell says: “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 and after looking at its properties, it was a simple choice.”

Windform XT 2.0 replaces the previous formula of Windform XT in the Windform TOP-LINE family of composite materials.

Windform XT 2.0 features improvements in mechanical properties including +8% increase in tensile strength, +22% in tensile modulus, and a +46% increase in elongation at break. These mechanical properties have guaranteed the achievement of the required characteristics, i.e. stiffness, low mass as well as very smooth surface finish.

Moreover Windform XT 2.0 – as mainly composite materials Windform TOP-LINE, has passed outgassing tests at the most important Space Agencies, and it’s suitable for space missions.

CRP USA manufactured for Mini-Cubes three 1P PocketQubes functional prototypes: two for testing and one for flight.

CRP USA Laser Sintering process combined with Windform XT 2.0 Carbon-composite material, proved to be the best choice: the 3D printed 1P PocketQubes functional prototypes have successfully passed the control and testing criteria and have fully complied with the requests and Mini-Cubes’ standards.

Latrell comments: “We have run quite a few tests with many more on the way. So far we have load tested to over 20 Kg. The material has been vibration tested to NASA GEVS-7000 specifications, subjected to a near vacuum to simulate the conditions in Earth orbit, and thermally tested from +50c to -40c. Windform XT 2.0 has passed every test we threw at it.”

He continued: “The next step for us is to test the satellite on orbit. This will be the final validation for our process. The plan is to launch sometime in Q2 2021.”

www.crp-usa.net

www.windform.com