Orbital Matter Launches Replicator 3D Printer on Ariane 6 Maiden Flight
71 FOMOOrbital Matter's Replicator CubeSat — carrying a polymer 3D printer designed to work in vacuum and microgravity — flew as a secondary payload on Ariane 6's inaugural flight on July 9, 2024. The 3U CubeSat deployed successfully from the rocket, becoming the first in-orbit demonstration of open-space 3D printing outside the ISS. Separation confirmed and deployment achieved; two-way communications not confirmed as of July 25. Main objective of proving launch survivability and demonstrating the technology concept validated.
Why it matters
Even with comms uncertainty, flying on Ariane 6's maiden flight is an extraordinary milestone for a company with fewer than 10 people. The technology validation justifies moving forward to a full printing mission.
Details
Mission
- Vehicle
- Ariane 6
- Payload
- Replicator 3D printing CubeSat
- Orbit
- LEO
- Launch site
- Kourou, French Guiana
Coverage
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esa.int ·
Ariane 6 launches: Replicator – 3D printing in open spaceESA profiles Orbital Matter's Replicator mission ahead of the Ariane 6 maiden flight. A 3U CubeSat will attempt to print a 50 cm polymer beam at 580 km altitude — the first additive manufacturing demonstration in open space outside the ISS.
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Orbital Matter's Replicator CubeSat — carrying a polymer 3D printer designed to work in vacuum and m