Award-winning 3D printed satellite transmitter will be manufactured on the International Space Station

This summer, Mouser Electronics and engineer Grant Imahara launched a challenge: designing tools that can be printed on the International Space Station (ISS) 3D . Sponsored by Intel, Made in Space, etc., the Challenge invites makers from all walks of life to create original tools that can be used by astronauts in space. One month after the end of the game, and now, they announced the winner of the challenge.

According to the OFweek3D printing network, the organizers have received nearly 250 designs that can be 3D printed, ranging from simple toys to everyday tools to more complex scientific instruments. Each design has been reviewed by a jury, including Imahara and astronaut Chris Hadfield.

Imahara and Filo

The winner's work is an impressive 3D printed satellite launcher designed by Andy Filo. Of course, the satellite we are talking about here is the tiny FemtoSats. These satellites are essentially microchips that are launched into space to collect useful information about changes in the magnetic layer or to discover cosmic rays. Filo explains his thoughts like this: "All in order to send these cracker-sized microsatellites into space, but the question is how can they be sent into space?"

3D printed satellite transmitter

To this end, he designed a small 3D printing device. The device acts primarily as a satellite "mothership" and can launch satellites into space with a simple mechanism. It consists of a small, specially designed compartment with a satellite placed in each slot on the box. The satellite antenna is then placed in the device, playing the role of a spring. A pin will fix everything and put pressure on them. When the pins are removed, the antennas will expand and the FemtoSats will pop out and launch into space.

Filo has filed a patent application for his innovative mechanism. According to him, this 3D printing transmitter can even control where and how satellites are deployed. Imahara pointed out that "FemtoSats needs to be deployed in a specific mode. This incredible box looks very simple, can be completely 3D printed, and it is very easy to install satellites on it."

Filo will soon see his innovative design being built in space by 3D printers on ISS. Although he will not personally board the ISS, knowing that his work will help astronauts in space has made him very happy.

Two other 3D-printable designs were rated second, a simple 3D printing aid and a versatile 3D printing tong. The former is used to hold items in a zero-gravity environment, which alternately acts as a food spoon and clip.

3D printing aid

3D printing forceps

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