Manufacturing, Analysis and Testing of an Additively Manufactured Nanosatellite Structure

CubeSat structures are primarily manufactured using ordinary machining techniques by international suppliers. Incorporating the modern technology of Additive Manufacturing in the process of creating CubeSat structures has potential for minimizing manufacturing waste, and reducing overall costs. A 1U CubeSat structure has been manufactured using Selective Laser Sintering. Finite Element Analysis and vibration testing techniques were utilized to generate structural integrity results. The Additively Manufactured CubeSat structure has passed the launch vehicle requirements, having a fundamental frequency of 150 Hz. Further full-assembly investigation is required in order to assess the Additively Manufactured structure's durability.