CRP Technology and lba Orbital collaborate to manufacture 3D printed satellite deployers

China3D printingNet May 15th, when we talk about small satellites, we first think of cube satellites. Now, the thing to be launched into orbit is even smaller, PocketQubes, which is a satellite with ready-made electronic components that can be carried in a pocket. These miniature space research satellites are only one-eighth the size of cubesats, are 5 centimeters long, and weigh 250 grams. Such satellites were only proposed about ten years ago, but people’s interest in them is growing rapidly.

Two years ago, the first PocketQube standard was released, and one of the contributors was the Scottish high-tech company SME Alba Orbital. The company supports this satellite by building its own PocketQube platform and providing parts and launches for global companies, space agencies and universities.
Alba Orbital needs to improve the accessibility and manufacturability of its PocketQube satellite deployer AlbaPod 2.0, reduce its weight, and add some new security features, and is working on the project in cooperation with CRP Technology.In the past, this Italian3D printingThe company has used its patented Windform TOP-LINE composite material for aerospace applications, so this can accomplish this task.



3D printingThe AlbaPod 2.0 is pre-launched on the shaker.

First, CRP analyzes 2D and 3D files for deployers, so it can best advise Alba Orbital which materials to use in its selective laser sintering (SLS) process. The high-performance Windform XT 2.0 carbon composite material was chosen because of its higher tensile strength, elongation at break and tensile modulus.

According to China3D printingNetwork understanding,Since the product needs to withstand launching and lift-off while accommodating several satellites, the pod needs to withstand high vibration, and in the worst case, it must also accommodate any satellites that will break inside. The toughness and toughness of Windform®XT 2.0 The strength makes it ideal for this use case.

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AlbaPods 2.0″ alt=” in Windform XT 2.0
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In Windform XT 2.03D printingAlbaPods 2.0.

Weight reduction is another important design goal for aerospace parts. Due to strict space degassing rules, materials need to be approved for flight. Windform XT 2.0 has been approved by major launch providers, which makes it an easy choice for launchers.
“Windform®XT 2.0 is an airless, lightweight fiber-reinforced polyamide plastic that is very similar to nylon. The combination of material and manufacturing technology allows us to choose to design parts that cannot be manufactured using traditional technology, with thin cross-sections and extremely Complex geometry, and the manufacturing and delivery time of these parts is only a small part of the traditional supply chain.

3D printingAfter launching the AlbaPod 2.0, remove the back cover for inspection” alt=”full load3D printingAfter launching the AlbaPod 2.0, remove the back cover for inspection” width=”620″ height=”348″ />

3D printingAfter launching the AlbaPod 2.0, remove the back cover for inspection” alt=”full load3D printingAfter launching the AlbaPod 2.0, remove the back cover for inspection” width=”620″ height=”348″ />

Fully loaded3D printingAfter the launch of AlbaPod 2.0, remove the back cover for inspection.

Once Alba Orbital sent the final STP file, CRP Technology quickly created the lightweight AlbaPod v2, which is a flight-proven 6P (up to six satellites) for PocketQube compatible satellites3D printingThe deployer is 60% lighter than AlbaPod v1.
Alba Orbital points out“The most innovative aspect of this project is the number of components that we switched to Windform®XT 2.0. We not only redesigned the housing material, but also redesigned the mobile ejection mechanism and door components.”
3D printingThe AlbaPod v2 PocketQube deployment program complies with Alba Orbital’s standards, and after many tests on the device, Alba Orbital said it has passed the control standards.


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AlbaPod 2.0 test” alt=”
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3D printingAlbaPod 2.0 test

China3D printingOnline reviews:Due to the high cost and weight is the main issue for any entry into space, the use of Windform® XT 2.0 allows us to reduce the weight of many major components.The integration work started this fall. In June, the PocketQube satellite was launched by Alba Orbital.3D printingThe AlbaPod v2 was launched into orbit. The Alba Cluster 2 mission has been in orbit for 100 days and is expected to pass later this year3D printingThe AlbaPod v2 was launched for the Alba Cluster 3 mission.

3D printingAllows us to quickly improve the design and customize/create custom transmitters in the future to deal with payloads that may exceed the Pocketqube standard or require special consideration,This will also enable rapid integration of the new release mechanism, and if there is a supply chain issue, we can switch manufacturers relatively easily and quickly.

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