Lockheed Martin equips satellites with 3D printed phased array antennas, new technology provided by SWISSTO12 and CAES

Introduction: On March 19, 2022, the US defense giant Lockheed Martin’s
aerospace
The department has selected SWISSto12 and CAES (Cobham Advanced Electronic Solutions) for future satellite missions3D printingPhased Array Antenna.

Phased Array Antenna

Phased array antenna is the most important form of antenna in satellite mobile communication system at present. It consists of three parts: antenna, feeding network and beam controller. Phased array antenna refers to an antenna that changes the shape of the pattern by controlling the feeding phase of the radiating element in the array antenna. is a key radio frequency (RF) component in communication systems, allowing long-range signal transmission between space stations (satellites) and Earth.

We look forward to working with Lockheed Martin, which is
aviation
Aerospace and safety technology leader, Swissto12 founder and CEO Dr. Emile de Rijk said.use3D printingTechnology can provide optimized performance and data transmission for satellite missions, while improving signal coverage and stability. We thank Lockheed Martin for the trust in our company and CAES.

SWISSto12 and CAES

Swissto12 was established as a subsidiary of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) and was co-founded in 2011 by two Dr. Emile de Rijk and Alessandro Macor. The company specializes in high-performance RF components for communications and radar applications in the aerospace sector. Has its own patented laser 3D printing technology for the manufacture of optimised and improved parts made of aluminium, Invar, PEEK and titanium.

At the same time, the company is in the millimeter wave and terahertz fields3D printing technologyA pioneer and technology leader in Ka-band 3D printed antenna feeds for Israel’s NSLSat-1 CubeSat in July 2019, and has been planned since then3D printing technologyDevelopment of a new 3D printed antenna for the European Space Agency.

On the other hand, CAES is based in the United States and develops advanced electronics for defense and aerospace systems. The company claims to be one of the largest suppliers of mixed-signal and radiation-hardened technologies to the U.S. aerospace and defense industries.


Collaboration to develop 3D printed phased array antennas

As partners, SWISSto12 and CAES aim to provide U.S. defense manufacturers such as Lockheed with more accessible 3D printing technology. The former’s 3D printing capabilities combined with the latter’s design engineering expertise enables custom RF systems to meet stringent size, weight and performance requirements.

In this collaboration, it is planned that initial research and development of 3D printed phased array antennas will take place at stissto12’s headquarters in Switzerland, followed by end-use production at CAES’ new 3D printing laboratory in Exeter, New Hampshire.
“For decades, CAES has developed and manufactured a variety of antennas, RF subsystems and microelectronics for Lockheed Martin’s space missions,” said David Young, CAES Chief Technology Officer (CTO). SWISSto12 collaborates to start a new wave of advanced solutions for 3D printing.

Radio frequency components and other electronics are an emerging field of 3D printing. Just this month, researchers at Iowa State University tested a method for 3D printing electronics in zero gravity. The team used electricity to print conductive ink layer by layer on a glass substrate, creating more complex circuits. The project developers, working with NASA, aim to develop the process into a new method of producing sensors in space.

(responsible editor: admin)