On March 20, the Long March 8 Remote 3 Launch Vehicle (R3LV) successfully put the Magpie II satellite into the scheduled orbit. The Sixth Academy of Astronautics pointed out in a related report that "during this launch, there wereSatellite storage tank structure realized by 3D printing processThis has laid a good foundation for the mass production of microsatellites and network launching, which has significant commercial value".

On April 3, 2024, the Magpie Bridge conduction technology test satellite for the Moon Exploration Project, Tiandu-2, was separated normally in orbit, and the cold push system worked normally.Marking the first time that domestic spaceflight realizes the application of 3D printed storage tanks in orbit, laying a solid foundation for the use of 3D printing technology in space propulsion.

The tank is jointly developed by Institute 801 of the Sixth Academy of Space Science and Technology and Institute 800 of the Eighth Academy of Space Science and Technology, and is made of aluminum alloy. The research team has realized the integration and lightweight design of the receptacle with subversive technological innovation program, developed high density, high-precision laser selective melting and forming and precise control of post-processing methods, and successively conquered key core technologies such as integrated design technology of the structure and function of the receptacle, densification forming technology of thin-walled structure, and post-processing technology of aluminum alloy internal runner, and so on. Based on the realization of integrated molding, the development cycle of the storage box is shortened by 80% and the cost is reduced by 62%.

this isThe first 3D-printed aluminum alloy storage tank in China to be integrally molded and applied in orbitIn addition to the highly integrated installation of all components on the tank, the tank also realizes the connection between each component through the 3D printed runner, without the need for conduit connection. The development team has fully implemented the digital design concept of "multiple iterations in the digital world and one success in the physical world", adhered to the development mode of "ultimate product improvement", and reached the domestic first-class level in the development of 3D printed storage tanks, and has made great efforts to "catch up with and surpass the world". "We are striving to catch up with and surpass the world's advanced level, and contributing new strength to the aerospace industry.

Source: AMReference