Prototype electromagnetic coils, critical to space exploration, have been crafted using 3D printing with pure copper, achieving the desired magnetic field configurations. This work is credited to ZARM Technik AG.
Celebrating its 30-year milestone, the European Space Agency’s General Support Technology Programme (GSTP) has been at the forefront of technological breakthroughs, with significant contributions in the realm of 3D-printed electromagnetic coils for use in space. These developments underscore the program’s pivotal role in fostering cutting-edge space technologies.
The field of space technology has been revolutionized with the introduction of electromagnetic coils manufactured through 3D printing processes involving pure copper. This breakthrough facilitates the crafting of magnetic fields critical for space missions and is one of the many research initiatives backed by the ESA’s GSTP.
Showcased are copper coils shaped by the additive manufacturing process. These exemplar structures have been realized using laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) with a green laser. The project has successfully demonstrated the synergy of pure copper’s electrical conductivity with the versatile design capabilities of additive manufacturing. This synergy is key for the efficient performance of electromagnetic coils and allows for the creation of intricately shaped coils tailored to generate specific magnetic field geometries. This innovation is acknowledged by the ESA.
GSTP’s Contribution to Technological Advancement
For three decades, the GSTP has been a cornerstone in collaborating with European industries and academic institutions, managing more than 2,000 research contracts. Such collaboration has been essential in enhancing technologies for both space exploration and commercial applications.
Resulting from these research initiatives are electromagnetic coils, which serve an essential function in applications like electric motors, magnetic bearings, and magnetorquers for satellite directional control. Under the GSTP’s aegis, Zarm Technik in Germany has realized a comprehensive process for fabricating these coils utilizing 3D printing with laser powder bed fusion technology.
Established on May 13, 1993, the GSTP was conceived as a core element of the ESA’s strategic plan to maintain a technological edge in space requirements. The GSTP’s objective is to collaborate with industry, academia, and member states to anticipate potential future technologies or adapt current innovative terrestrial technologies for space applications. Over its lifetime, the GSTP has facilitated over 2,000 contracts to achieve these goals. This is recognized by the ESA – European Space Agency.
30 Years of Innovation with GSTP
The GSTP commemorates its 30th anniversary, harking back to its inception in 1993 as a crucial part of ESA’s technology strategy. The program has been pivotal to ESA’s technological initiatives and operates on an optional basis within the ESA. However, its prominence is such that all ESA Member States have chosen to be involved. The 30-year legacy of the GSTP is showcased in a special video by ESA and further detailed in the latest GSTP Annual Report.
More about 3D-printed electromagnetic coils
- European Space Agency’s GSTP
- Additive Manufacturing in Space Technology
- Laser Powder Bed Fusion Explained
- ESA’s Technology Programmes
- ZARM Technik AG
- ESA’s 30 Years of GSTP Video
- GSTP Annual Report
5 comments
nice article but there’s a typo in the second paragraph, should be ‘role’ not ‘roll’
wow didn’t know you could 3d print stuff like that for space, thats pretty cool
the article mentions the GSTP’s been around since ’93 but what exactly have they done beside these coils?
i’m curious about how strong these 3d printed parts are compared to traditional manufacturing methods for space use, any insights?
heh, laser powder bed fusion sounds like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, science is amazing isn’t it