TPU to Launch World’s First 3D-printed Satellite

A 3D-printed satellite assembled at Tomsk Polytechnic University is scheduled to launch from the International Space Station (ISS) to the 120th anniversary of the school. TPU handled the satellite to RSC Energia, where final preparations will take place for shipment to the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Tomsk-TPU-120 satellite delivery on the ISS will be held on 31 March.

During the next spacewalk ISS astronauts will launch the satellite from the outer surface of the station. The satellite will orbit at 400 km. The term of its operation in space will last about six months. The TPU satellite refers to nanosatellites (CubSat) and has dimensions of 300x100x100 mm. It will be the world's first space vehicle, which housing was 3D-printed. In the future, the technology can be a breakthrough in the creation of small satellites and make them more massive and accessible.

The device was designed in the TPU scientific and educational center Modern production technologies. Materials of which made the satellite, were developed by scientists of Tomsk Polytechnic University and the Institute of Strength Physics and Materials Science. The TPU satellite was built to test new technology of space materials science and a series of the university developments and its partners.

Read more at Tomsk Polytechnic University

Image Credit: Tomsk Polytechnic University

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