Two new in-space manufacturing research missions were recently deployed into low Earth orbit. The missions, MakerSat-1 and Orbital Factory 2, are each housed in 1U CubeSats (10x10x10cm). MakerSat-1 is studying the degradation of common 3D printer plastics in space, and Orbital Factory 2 is demonstrating 3D printing of conductive material, simulating a solder joint repair on a solar array while in microgravity.
Read MoreESA and their partners are pushing CubeSats further than they’ve ever been before. The M-ARGO (Miniaturised Asteroid Remote Geophysical Observer) mission is a 12U CubeSat that will be launched on a rideshare mission before using it’s own propulsion to visit a sub-100 meter wide asteroid. This mission will demonstrate a cost effective way to explore near-Earth asteroids (NEAs).
Read MoreHaving been in development for years, the Lunar IceCube spacecraft will soon be deployed in lunar orbit where it will map the distribution and dynamics of water on the lunar surface. NASA recently selected the IceCube mission to be one of the thirteen CubeSats deployed during the Artemis 1 mission in 2021. The data IceCube will collect is critical for planning future lunar ice mining missions, especially knowing where the water is on the Moon.
Read MoreSwarm Technologies is making progress on launching its 150 CubeSat strong IoT constellation. As IEEE reported on January 3, 2019, Swarm submitted a request to the FCC for permission to launch its full constellation into low Earth orbit (LEO). Swarm has indicated that it will be ready to launch at least four more satellites as soon as March 1. Global competition in the IoT satellite field is fierce, with Swarm pushing hard to gain market share for itself.
Read MoreAs the dinosaurs figured out, the severity of asteroid impacts is Earth shattering. In an attempt to learn from their failure, NASA and ESA are collaborating to build and test planetary defense capabilities. The target is the Didymos binary asteroid system. NASA will impact the smaller object, Didymoon. ESA will observe the results. Together they will learn more about asteroids and deflection strategies.
Read MoreESA recently demonstrated the use of a butane based cold gas propulsion system to adjust the orbit of the GomX-4B CubeSat. GomX-4B was able to maintain formation with its twin, GomX-4A, up to the curvature of Earth, 4500 km away. This mission is verifying the operation for a planned CubeSat constellation. Refining CubeSat propulsion like this is key for future asteroid surveying and processing spacecraft.
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