Orbital Matter 3D Prints a 30 Centimeter Boom in Orbit
A 30 minute print aboard the Replicator 2 satellite marks the company's second additive manufacturing test in the vacuum of space
A satellite in low orbit has manufactured a solid structural segment directly into the vacuum of space. Technology company Orbital Matter completed the run using an onboard 3D printing system, extending a continuous boom directly from its craft.
Manufacturing directly in open vacuum
The test took place aboard the Replicator 2 satellite, which carries a payload of four separate printers into orbit. During the operation, the second onboard printer operated for about 30 minutes in the open vacuum of space, extruding material to form a rigid structural boom, as reported by VoxelMatters. The finished component reached 30 centimeters in length outside the satellite structure.
Layer adhesion and orbital test results
Post-process inspection confirmed that the printed boom achieved clean bonding between individual layers despite the absence of an atmospheric enclosure, according to VoxelMatters. The mission represents the second successful print completed in orbit by Orbital Matter using its satellite platform, marking an important innovation for the aerospace startup.
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