The experimental MARATHON craft is to become the first satellite to carry 3D printed elements produced by a Roscosmos enterprise to space.

MARATHON’s first flight model will feature 16 cup-shaped ground planes and 4 feeder antennas printed on a selective laser melting machine. Apart from that, a set of 3D printed components was produced for the standalone test campaign, including 10 antennas and 15 reaction wheel brackets.

All printed components were subjected to a CT inspection in order to rule out any pores or caverns in the material, which they passed with flying colors. Standalone tests of the feeder antennas were successful as well.

Additive manufacturing techniques got the green light to be used for serially manufactured MARATHON satellites.