On February 3, 2024, Smart Satellite successfully launched the SmartSat-X1 satellite off the coast of Yangjiang, Guangdong Province. The satellite entered its predetermined orbit smoothly. This achievement establishes Smart Satellite as the first commercial space company in China to develop a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite with platform and payload integration design.
The SmartSat-X1 is a 200-kilogram class SAR satellite, featuring a flat-panel design that facilitates future multi-satellite launches. It has high demands for lightweight and low-volume rapid manufacturing of parts. Bright Laser Technologies (BLT), a leader in metal additive manufacturing, provided critical 3D-printed parts for the satellite, including one main body structure and three array panel structures. The panel structure measures 1300mm x 980mm x 20mm. The satellite body structure measures 1300mm×1126mm×335mm, representing the largest 3D-printed satellite structure in orbit in China at that time.
BLT manufactured the parts using AlSi10Mg alloy. These parts feature a large-scale skin-lattice structure with ultra-thin walls. The company’s product team overcame significant technical challenges, including the deformation of large panel structures. To ensure timely project completion while maintaining high quality standards, BLT utilized two BLT-S1000 simultaneously.
This project is part of a broader trend in the commercial space sector, with BLT now serving over 30 space companies. The company provides comprehensive metal additive manufacturing support, including design optimization, technical consulting, and customized product services, contributing to the rapid development of the commercial space industry.
