Singapore Launches 3D Printed Component Into Space for the First Time

We often hear of the major 3D printing projects in space from companies like SpaceX and NASA, but the space race does not just include the USA. Singapore has proved itself part of the industry, with the launch of its first 3D printed component into space. The Zeus-1 satellite was launched on December 18th from Cape Canaveral, Florida, a common site from which space-bound capsules are launched. The satellite was on board the Falcon 9 rocket from SpaceX.

The project was led by Qosmosys, an international private spacetech company with headquarters in Singapore. They collaborated with NuSpace and Creatz3D Singapore to launch the first locally developed 3D printed part. The use of additive manufacturing was an obvious choice for the team: with the usual method being CNC/metal sheet forming, which involves cumbersome folding and sawing, the 3D printing is more cost effective and offers faster results.

The team designed a gold plate which was added to the satellite

“The proposed original design was a sheet material, which could cost up to $4,000 to $5,000 and requiring a long lead time of at least three weeks for a machine manufactured component to reach us, whereas 3D-printed parts took only 2 to 3 days,” said Ng Zhen Ning, CEO & Co Founder of NuSpace.