Title: Orbital Composites Secures Lucrative Contracts for Revolutionary Additive Manufacturing Techniques
Introduction:
Orbital Composites, an innovative additive manufacturing startup, has recently gained significant traction in the industry. The company has successfully secured three Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contracts, bringing in a total value of over $3 million. These contracts will bolster Orbital Composites’ capabilities in in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing. This blog post delves into the details of these contracts and the company’s ambitious vision for the future.
Exploring Cutting-Edge Applications:
The first SBIR contract, in partnership with the U.S. Space Force (USSF), focuses on the utilization of “quantum field theory” in creating state-of-the-art antennas. This groundbreaking technology offers promising applications in defense and energy sectors. Orbital Composites aims to leverage this collaboration to contribute to the construction of large antennas in space, particularly for space-based solar power initiatives.
Addressing Challenges in Harsh Environments:
Under the second USSF contract, Orbital Composites is dedicated to producing cost-effective CubeSats capable of withstanding the harsh radiation environments found in geosynchronous orbit. This contract highlights the company’s commitment to developing reliable solutions for space exploration and satellite deployment.
Pioneering Composite Printing Techniques:
The company’s third contract with the Air Force focuses on the development of advanced composite printing techniques using “carbon-carbon.” Orbital Composites aims to revolutionize the manufacturing process by employing innovative robotic printing systems. These systems enable the production of composites in various sizes, ranging from intricate structures to larger modules, thus showcasing the versatility of their manufacturing techniques.
The Vision Behind Orbital Composites:
Founded in 2015, Orbital Composites’ ultimate vision is to transform additive manufacturing techniques for the creation of advanced products. CEO Amolak Badesha emphasizes the adaptability of their techniques across multiple industries, including space, energy, and climate-related sectors. The company envisions a three-step progression: manufacturing products on Earth and launching them into space, printing products on the ground and assembling them in space, and ultimately conducting all manufacturing processes in space.
Aligned with the Broader Plan:
The recent SBIR contracts signify a significant step towards fulfilling Orbital Composites’ overarching strategy. The quantum field antenna contract, in particular, holds immense significance as building large antennas in space plays a crucial role in achieving the company’s ambitious goals, such as space-based solar power. The emphasis on “in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing” underscores Orbital Composites’ commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Looking Ahead:
In addition to the SBIR contracts, Orbital Composites has secured a $1.7 million contract with the USSF, collaborating with esteemed entities such as Axiom Space, Northrop Grumman, and the Southwest Research Institute. This collaboration aims to explore the feasibility of 3D printing massive antennas in space. The success of this project will lay the foundation for the establishment of an in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing laboratory aboard Axiom’s private space station in the near future.
Conclusion:
Orbital Composites’ recent accomplishments in securing lucrative contracts demonstrate its position as a leader in the additive manufacturing industry. The company’s commitment to innovation and its ambitious vision for the future have positioned it at the forefront of groundbreaking advancements in in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing. Through these contracts, Orbital Composites is poised to contribute significantly to the next phase of space exploration and manufacturing processes.
