TOMSK, Sep 7 – RIA Tomsk. Two "swarms" of ultra-small satellites (CubeSat) with the cases 3D-printed by the Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU) are planned to be launched in space in 2017-2018, the adviser to the president of RSC "Energia" Alexander Chernyavsky told journalists.
Earlier it was reported that in April the nanosatellite of the Tomsk Polytechnic University manufactured to the 120th anniversary of the university was delivered to the International Space Station (ISS). It is the first Russian spacecraft which elements are made on the 3D-printer. It was reported also that scientists intend to start the whole "swarm" of such devices which could work on orbit together, and TPU will manufacture cases for them.
"In the middle of the next year according to plans at us there is start of two satellites, in a year after that, that is in 2018 – start of three satellites. In each of these groups coordination with each other and coordination in relation to ground stations is fulfilled. And with three satellites – is also management of them", – Chernyavsky on the sidelines of the resource efficiency forum in TPU told.According to him, after working off of the technologies their application for specific goals will be discussed.
Chernyavsky also reminded that in 2018 TPU has to present the first domestic 3D-printer which could work at the ISS in the conditions of zero gravity. It was reported that such printer could provide astronauts with necessary tools.