Objective
Traditional deployable solar arrays in space applications are highly inefficient. They are built on Earth before launch. Due to the strict launch requirements, they are constrained by launch-driven design, not in-orbit needs. For small and medium satellite integrators (e.g. mega constellation in LEO), the size, mass, and price of these deployable systems remain prohibitive, limiting available power and raising the total mission cost.
At Orbital Matter, we are redefining deployable solar array systems for small and medium platforms through an innovative 3D printing process capable of being used as an ultra-compact and lightweight deployment mechanism, making high-power, low-cost solar arrays accessible to small satellites and cubesats.
To simultaneously solve the 3 challenges of manufacturing in outer space (vacuum, microgravity and radiation), we have invented an optimal liquid additive manufacturing process for 3D printing directly in outer space which uniquely combines extrusion-based 3D printing with UV activated liquid polymers.
Orbital Matter´s commercial roadmap consists of multiple products with growing functionality over the years that can be divided into 3 categories. The first product category is in-space deployable systems, with the deployable solar array module presented in this proposal as the first product in the portfolio. The same technological concept can be applied in the future to deploy other systems such as antennas, radiators and optics, with similar advantages. Based on this disruptive technology, Orbital Matter's long-term goal is to develop an autonomous in-space construction platform, consisting of 3D printing and robotics capabilities.
The main objectives of this EIC Pre-Accelerator proposal are focused on completing the design, manufacturing, assembling and testing an Engineering Model of the complete deployable system in relevant environmental conditions (vacuum and simulated microgravity) to achieve TRL 6.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering robotics
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering manufacturing engineering additive manufacturing
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.4.1 - Widening participation and spreading excellence
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-CSA - HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-WIDERA-2025-02
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
00-819 Warsaw
Poland
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.