Mini-3D Satellites To Be Sent Into Space

The space game is taking on some interesting turns.

While much of the focus is on SpaceX and Blue Origin (with some on Virgin Galactic), there are many projects which are all forging ahead in an effort to make us a multi-planet species.

Thus far, we are still to the point of satelliting our space to improve our communications, among other things.

The 3D printing of rockets has garnered some attention. However, that is not the only thing the new technology is being used for. We are now embarking upon a time when 3D printed satellites will be entering the space game.


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Mini-Cubes is leading the race with its mini-satellites. Called the "PocketCubes" are ready to take flight next year.

The satellites are made from a carbon fiber reinforced composite material called Windform. According to the company, they are the first to use this material. So far, the results are very promising.


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These mini-cube satellites will be used to monitor natural resources. In this instance, the first satellites will be monitoring water.

Many feel that mini-satellites are the future. Obviously, the cost to manufacture as weill as launch smaller satellites is a lot less than the larger counterparts.

It is easy to be led to believe that these smaller devices do not pack the punch of the larger ones. While this is true for what is being released today, we must keep in mind that the satellites in orbit are near 30 years old. This is true of our weather satellites which were launched in the 1980s.

Since that time, technology has enabled more punch to be packed into smaller devices. Just consider how camera technology changes over the past few decades. What were larger devices were replaced with more powerful cameras in smartphones for a fraction of the cost. This also saw more capabilities added to the cameras.

Mini-Cubes has already seen these satellites pass a serious of tests. Working with NASA, they can withstand temperatures between 50 and -40 degrees C. Naturally, testing on Earth is does not compare to the cold vacuum that is space.

Regardless of how this individual project fares, the technological advancement is what matters. The idea of 3D printing space related items is going to force down costs while increasing the pace of production.

Here is where we see a convergence of technologies advancing things. Coupling 3D printing with AI will yield more rocket and satellite breakthroughs. All of this will reduce the time and cost associated with our indulgence with space.

This is mirrored across a variety of industries here on Earth. It is all tying together.


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Bang, I did it again... I just rehived your post!
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Guau This technology could help us to in the future the cost of the internet could be cheapest, and for connecting the world consider a lot of places that do not have the internet service, or for monitoring in real time some land.

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All of this will reduce the time and cost associated with our indulgence with space.

This statement proves the assertion that technology is poised on taking away stress and giving us a more comfortable life.

I don't know much about 3D-printers and satellites but I believe it will be a welcomed invention.

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Satellite Blockchain nodes then the bankers really won’t be able to shut it down..

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damn that mini 3d satellites goona be a game-changer for satellites history im looking forward to future developments

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These look like sensors which are capable to self sustain their power in the space and report useful information back to earth. Rather than having a super expensive satellite, this could be an affordable solution for some of interested information to be collected. I would imagine a radar compound of thousands mini3d satellites which could network together for different tasks. Is like a mini decentralization network brought to space.

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