Unveiling the Revolutionary 3D-Printed Satellite from Planetary Resources
The torus holds the fuel and provides the structure for the satellite. Since complexity is free when 3D printing, fixtures and cable routing and alignment of the space bus elements are embedded in the design. A sacrificial mold is printed (see below), and then dipped in ceramic to form an investment cast for the titanium structure you see here.
Peter H. Diamandis and Chris Lewicki (JPL Flight Director for Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity) brought this early build of their Arkyd satellite, and I now have permission to share.
The telescope is in the center of the hollow toroid fuel tank, with the camera / thermal sensor array facing us.
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