Hadrian and Fortastra Partner to Streamline Satellite Production
Spacecraft developer Fortastra and advanced manufacturing company Hadrian are collaborating to integrate additive manufacturing and other production technologies into future satellite programs.
The demand for satellites is increasing, prompting manufacturers to seek faster production methods without compromising performance. Fortastra, a California-based company focused on spacecraft for national security and commercial applications, has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Hadrian, an advanced manufacturing firm. This collaboration aims to explore the integration of additive manufacturing (AM), precision machining, and other production technologies into forthcoming satellite programs.
Under this partnership, Hadrian will move beyond a traditional supplier role to engage directly with Fortastra's engineering teams during the spacecraft development phase. The primary focus will be on enhancing manufacturability, reducing production timelines, and assessing novel manufacturing techniques for satellite structures and components. This initiative addresses the industry's need to accelerate satellite production while maintaining cost control, with AM technologies being particularly attractive for simplifying complex part production.
Hadrian will provide manufacturing support, while Fortastra will contribute its expertise in designing and qualifying spacecraft hardware. The joint effort seeks to improve satellite manufacturing efficiency, reduce costs, and decrease overall weight. The companies plan to evaluate a range of manufacturing processes, including various forms of metal and polymer 3D printing, direct energy deposition, binder jetting, CNC machining, electrical discharge machining (EDM), laser cutting, cold spray, friction stir welding, and composite manufacturing.
The partnership also leverages Hadrian's recent expansion into AM, with the company establishing a dedicated business unit to bolster its metal 3D printing capabilities for the aerospace and defense sectors. By working with Fortastra, Hadrian aims to explore the application of these AM capabilities in future satellite development. Fortastra will share its experience in qualifying hardware for space missions, adhering to military, NASA, and international standards, thereby assisting in the preparation of Hadrian's manufacturing technologies for space applications.
This collaboration between Fortastra and Hadrian highlights the growing trend of integrating advanced manufacturing, particularly AM, earlier into the design and production lifecycle of complex systems like satellites. By focusing on automated factories and a broad suite of AM and traditional processes, they aim to overcome production bottlenecks, reduce costs, and accelerate the delivery of orbital systems, crucial for both national security and commercial space endeavors.
Edited by the news editor with AI from the original report — please refer to the original source.