Mitsubishi Electric Develops Technology for the Freeform Printing of Satellite Antennas in Outer Space

Rhea-AI Summary

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO:6503) has developed an innovative 3D printing technology that utilizes photosensitive resin and solar ultraviolet light for satellite antennas fabrication in the vacuum of space. This process aims to reduce satellite weight and launch costs by allowing the creation of larger structures in orbit, overcoming the size limitations of traditional launch methods. The new resin is specially formulated for stability in vacuum, enabling thin and lightweight designs tailored for small spacecraft.

Positive

• Development of a space-based 3D printing technology that utilizes solar energy.
• New resin formulation increases stability for in-space applications.
• Enables fabrication of larger satellite structures beyond launch vehicle limits, potentially reducing costs.
• Addresses the challenge of lightweight design aimed at small spacecraft.

Negative

• None.

New photosensitive resin harnesses solar radiation for low-power 3D printing in vacuum

TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO:6503) announced today that the company has developed an on-orbit additive-manufacturing technology that uses photosensitive resin and solar ultraviolet light for the 3D printing of satellite antennas in the vacuum of outer space.

The novel technology makes use of a newly developed liquid resin that was custom formulated for stability in vacuum. The resin enables structures to be fabricated in space using a low-power process that utilizes the sun’s ultraviolet rays for photopolymerization. The technology specifically addresses the challenge of equipping small, inexpensive spacecraft buses with large structures, such as high-gain antenna reflectors, and enables on-orbit fabrication of structures that greatly exceed the dimensions of launch vehicle fairings. Resin-based on-orbit manufacturing is expected to enable spacecraft structures to be made thinner and lighter than conventional designs, which must survive the stresses of launch and orbital insertion, thereby reducing both total satellite weight and launch costs.

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Customer Inquiries

Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc.

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

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Media Inquiries

Takeyoshi Komatsu

Public Relations Division

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

Tel: +81-3-3218-2346

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www.MitsubishiElectric.com/news/

Source: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation

FAQ

What is Mitsubishi Electric's new technology announced on May 16, 2022?

Mitsubishi Electric announced a 3D printing technology that uses photosensitive resin and solar ultraviolet light for manufacturing satellite antennas in space.

How does the new 3D printing technology impact satellite manufacturing?

The technology allows for larger structures to be fabricated in orbit, reducing overall satellite weight and launch costs.

What are the benefits of using photosensitive resin in space?

The photosensitive resin is formulated for stability in vacuum, enabling the production of thinner and lighter satellite components.

What stock symbol represents Mitsubishi Electric Corporation?

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation is represented by the stock symbol TOKYO:6503.