3DOPTIC shows why ceramic 3D printed optics are the future for satellites and UAVs Aerospace

3DOPTIC shows why ceramic 3D printed optics are the future for satellites and UAVs Aerospace

Additive manufacturing is a key technology to providing innovative solutions for optimized optical instruments, meeting the growing demand for lightweight optical instrumentation aboard space and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms. To prove the feasibility of its ceramic 3DOPTIC service, 3DCeram produced a plane mirror for front-end laser engine (galvo-mirror for high-energy laser application) and optical applications, applying additive manufacturing to the design and manufacturing of the optical substrate.

Space Perspective reboots vision of flying passengers to stratosphere on a balloon Aerospace

Space Perspective reboots vision of flying passengers to stratosphere on a balloon Aerospace

The space entrepreneurs who planned to send passengers ballooning into the stratosphere for astronaut’s-eye views of the Earth below, way back in 2013, have revived the idea for a new venture called Space Perspective. Co-CEOs Taber MacCallum and Jane Poynter unveiled their concept for a balloon-borne capsule called Spaceship Neptune today, and said that uncrewed test flights are due to begin early next year.

Coming up: AM in Aerospace webinars to add to your calendar Aerospace

Coming up: AM in Aerospace webinars to add to your calendar Aerospace

With the travel and social restrictions imposed to keep the COVID-19 pandemic at bay, doing business looks a lot different today than it did last year. No longer are AM industry players meeting at trade shows or traveling to global offices, instead, we are tuning in virtually to stay in touch. Despite the physical and mental challenges of talking to a screen all day, I think the additive manufacturing industry has made the best of the situation, quickly rallying to create webinars and other engaging digital content.