Additive Mfg Cube Sat

grabcad

My idea for the cube sat was not to reinvent the spec design and requirements, but to build on them by replacing the traditional manufacturing methods with additive manufacturing methods. My design is compatible with currently used launch/deployment equipment specified by the Cube Sat standards. The body, top panel, and base panel are all direct metal laser sintered titanium grade 5 6AL-4V for its relative light weight and amazing corrosion resistance; along with the proven aerospace usage. Titanium also offers great thermal conductivity, drawing heat away from the internal components. It can also withstand extreme temperatures and extreme cold with little issues. On all six sides there are internally held 3D printed Ultem (PEI) plate that can be changed at any time from an open frame to a closed frame, or even have a frame printed to hold solar panels in place. The 3D printing nature of these panel allows for non standard internal hardware to be utilized that would need a different external connector/antennae that is not usually there in the standard design. A The eight pads (four on top and four on bottom) are also Ultem 3D printed so as to lighten the weight of the frame in order to allow for more payload on the internal components. All the 3D printed parts are low off gassing/low emissions parts due to Ultem being on NASAs low emissions material registry. The overall additive manufacturing design of this cube sat allows for easy design changes on new revisions. The design on the body allows for the body to be extended into 2U and higher designs.