Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA
Rendered image of the functionally integrated sandwich demonstrator for the in-orbit mission SOURCE
Stuttgart in orbit: IRAS rethinks satellite development
In Short
Fraunhofer IPA is contributing its expertise in additive manufacturing and automation to the IRAS project. The topic is the development of cost-effective satellites using digital platforms and new production technologies. The benefit: faster, more efficient, and cheaper space systems.
In Detail
The space industry is facing the challenge of providing increasingly complex space systems faster, more cost-effectively, and more flexibly – especially in the field of small satellites and satellite constellations. In the "IRAS – Integrated Digital Research Platform for Affordable Satellites" project, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the University of Stuttgart, Fraunhofer IPA, and industry partners are pooling their expertise to create new methods for the efficient development of satellites.
The solution: digital engineering platform and additive manufacturing
The IRAS solution is an integrated digital concurrent engineering platform that combines novel structures, additive manufacturing, and integrated systems. This should enable development times to be shortened, components to be used multifunctionally, and manufacturing processes to be automated.
A research team at Fraunhofer IPA is taking on key tasks in the field of production and automation technologies for space travel to develop the solution. These include:
- Developing processes for the additive manufacturing of hybrid structures
- Testing flexible assembly methods
- Expertise in the digitalization of industrial processes
With this expertise, Fraunhofer IPA is helping to make satellite manufacturing more efficient and sustainable.
Outlook: CubeSat SOURCE technology demonstrator
The CubeSat SOURCE, developed at the University of Stuttgart, serves as a technology demonstrator. New IRAS technologies such as multifunctional printed structures and innovative heating and energy systems are being tested in orbit. The IRAS project is thus making an important contribution to the further development of satellite production and strengthening Stuttgart's position as a center for space travel.
Insights into the project
Load-bearing honeycomb core structure made of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) produced using filament 3D printing
Rendered image of a simple oscillating circuit printed using inkjet technology on a fiber composite panel.
Mock-up of the SOURCE cube satellite with 3D-printed functionally integrated sandwiches in a thermal vacuum chamber (TVAC) for vibration analysis.