L3Harris Reduces Satellite Thruster Production Time with Additive Manufacturing
Severity: Low (Score: 3.1)
Sources: Thedefensepost, www.l3harris.com
Summary
L3Harris Technologies has implemented additive manufacturing to cut satellite thruster production times by up to 12 months, addressing a critical bottleneck in satellite deployment. Traditionally, the production of in-space thrusters took around 18 months, impacting the ability to rapidly deploy satellites in contested environments. The company is transitioning from conventional machining to 3D printing for key components such as nozzles, manifolds, and combustion chambers. This shift allows for more complex designs and reduces material waste, utilizing powdered metals like niobium. The Daytona Beach facility, enhanced by the 2019 acquisition of 3D Materials Technology, is central to this initiative. L3Harris has successfully flight-proven these additively manufactured thrusters on national security satellites. The broader defense sector is increasingly adopting additive manufacturing to expedite production and mitigate supply chain delays. Recent contracts have been awarded to other companies to support similar goals in the defense industry. Key Points: • L3Harris reduces satellite thruster production time by up to 12 months using 3D printing. • Additive manufacturing allows for complex designs and reduces material waste. • The Daytona Beach facility is key to L3Harris's enhanced production capabilities.