© РИА Томск. Павел Стефанский
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.
© официальный сайт "Роскосмоса", Мария Лысцева
"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.