Additive manufacturing and space: step up to the European challenge, "Make it Light!"

Additive manufacturing and space: step up to the European challenge, "Make it Light!"
Thales Alenia Space is a partner in a European contest called "Make it Light", organized in conjunction with the French additive manufacturing company Poly-Shape and the software publisher Altair. Open until March 31, 2016, this contest addresses engineering, architecture and design students.
Make it Light: optimizing space
Weight is of course the sworn enemy of all satellite manufacturers. It costs about €15,000 to send a kilo into space, so making judicious use of the space available in satellites is essential. The aim of the "Make it Light" contest is to design and model an ultra-light structure for a new space telescope from Thales Alenia Space. Proposals have to meet the technical specifications defined by partners. The winning project will lead to the construction of a prototype, made using the powder bed additive manufacturing process – and it will be integrated in upcoming R&D projects at Thales Alenia Space.
For complete info on the contest and eligibility requirements, click here.
New technologies for the space industry
