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Titomic technology aids Australia’s first scientific satellite in decades

6 December, 2023

Australia has marked its historic return to space exploration by successfully launching into orbit its first scientific satellite in over two decades.

The SpIRIT nanosatellite, a landmark project, emerged from a collaboration between the University of Melbourne and the Italian Space Agency, with a consortium of pioneering Australian SME partners and support from the Australian Space Agency. Titomic, an innovative additive manufacturing company based in Melbourne, was instrumental in this historic achievement with its groundbreaking thermal radiator design, a critical component of the satellite.

“The team utilised Titomic’s state-of-the-art TKF 1000 additive manufacturing unit to develop high-efficiency radiator panels that are crucial for the satellite’s operation,” said Herbert Koeck, Managing Director of Titomic.

Titomic’s contribution features a bespoke bi-metallic radiator design, cold-sprayed in pure copper and coated with mirror tape on one side. This design maximises thermal efficiency, enabling the satellite to host heat-sensitive instruments that are typically reserved for larger satellites.

The radiator’s unique bird-shaped spray pattern – generated by a sophisticated computer algorithm – allows the SpIRIT to efficiently reject heat, enhancing its thermal performance ratio.

“SpIRIT’s journey into space is not just a technological triumph. It’s also a significant step in scientific discovery,” Mr Koeck said.

The satellite’s primary mission is to search for gamma rays – the elusive phenomenon created when stars collide or die. To achieve that, it is equipped with solar panels, thermal radiators, cameras, guidance systems, an electric propulsion thruster, and computers.

After completing its two-year mission, SpIRIT will return to Earth and burn up on re-entry, concluding a historic chapter in Australia’s space exploration history.

Titomic’s involvement in this project not only showcases its expertise in advanced manufacturing technologies; it also positions the company as a key player in the burgeoning space industry.

This successful launch paves the way for future collaborations and innovations in space technology.

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Certain statements made in this release are forward-looking statements and are based on Titomic’s current expectations, estimates and projections. Words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,”estimates,” “guidance” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although Titomic believes the forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, they are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond Titomic’s control, including those risks or uncertainties inherent in the process of both developing and commercialising technology. As a result, actual results could materially differ from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements made in this release relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. Titomic will not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions or updates to these forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances or unanticipated events occurring after the date of this release except as required by law or by any appropriate regulatory authority.

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