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By NASA
4 Min Read NASA 3D-Printed Antenna Takes Additive Manufacturing to New Heights
The 3D-printed antenna mounted to a ladder prior to testing at NASA's Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility in Palestine, Texas. Credits: NASA/Peter Moschetti In fall 2024, NASA developed and tested a 3D-printed antenna to demonstrate a low-cost capability to communicate science data to Earth. The antenna, tested in flight using an atmospheric weather balloon, could open the door for using 3D printing as a cost-effective development solution for the ever-increasing number of science and exploration missions.
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NASA developed and tested a 3D-printed antenna to demonstrate a low-cost capability to communicate science data to Earth.NASA/Kasey Dillahay Printing
For this technology demonstration, engineers from NASA’s Near Space Network designed and built a 3D-printed antenna, tested it with the network’s relay satellites, and then flew it on a weather balloon.
The 3D printing process, also known as additive manufacturing, creates a physical object from a digital model by adding multiple layers of material on top of each other, usually as a liquid, powder, or filament. The bulk of the 3D-printed antenna uses a low electrical resistance, tunable, ceramic-filled polymer material.
Using a printer supplied by Fortify, the team had full control over several of the electromagnetic and mechanical properties that standard 3D printing processes do not. Once NASA acquired the printer, this technology enabled the team to design and print an antenna for the balloon in a matter of hours. Teams printed the conductive part of the antenna with one of several different conductive ink printers used during the experiment.
For this technology demonstration, the network team designed and built a 3D-printed magneto-electric dipole antenna and flew it on a weather balloon. [JF1] A dipole antenna is commonly used in radio and telecommunications. The antenna has two “poles,” creating a radiation pattern similar to a donut shape.
Testing
The antenna, a collaboration between engineers within NASA’s Scientific Balloon Program and the agency’s Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program, was created to showcase the capabilities of low-cost design and manufacturing.
Following manufacturing, the antenna was assembled and tested at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, in the center’s electromagnetic anechoic chamber.
The anechoic chamber is the quietest room at Goddard — a shielded space designed and constructed to both resist intrusive electromagnetic waves and suppress their emission to the outside world. This chamber eliminates echoes and reflections of electromagnetic waves to simulate the relative “quiet” of space.
To prepare for testing, NASA intern Alex Moricette installed the antenna onto the mast of the anechoic chamber. The antenna development team used the chamber to test its performance in a space-like environment and ensure it functioned as intended.
NASA Goddard’s anechoic chamber eliminates echoes and reflections of electromagnetic waves to simulate the relative “quiet” of space. Here, the antenna is installed on the mast of the anechoic chamber.NASA/Peter Moschetti Once completed, NASA antenna engineers conducted final field testing at NASA’s Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility in Palestine, Texas, before liftoff.
The team coordinated links with the Near Space Network’s relay fleet to test the 3D-printed antenna’s ability to send and receive data.
The team monitored performance by sending signals to and from the 3D-printed antenna and the balloon’s planned communications system, a standard satellite antenna. Both antennas were tested at various angles and elevations. By comparing the 3D-printed antenna with the standard antenna, they established a baseline for optimal performance.
Field testing was performed at NASA’s Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility in Palestine, Texas, prior to liftoff. To do this, the 3D-printed antenna was mounted to a ladder.NASA/Peter Moschetti In the Air
During flight, the weather balloon and hosted 3D-printed antenna were tested for environmental survivability at 100,000 feet and were safely recovered.
For decades, NASA’s Scientific Balloon Program, managed by NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia, has used balloons to carry science payloads into the atmosphere. Weather balloons carry instruments that measure atmospheric pressure, temperature, humidity, wind speed, and direction. The information gathered is transmitted back to a ground station for mission use.
The demonstration revealed the team’s anticipated results: that with rapid prototyping and production capabilities of 3D printing technology, NASA can create high-performance communication antennas tailored to mission specifications faster than ever before.
Implementing these modern technological advancements is vital for NASA, not only to reduce costs for legacy platforms but also to enable future missions.
The Near Space Network is funded by NASA’s SCaN (Space Communications and Navigation) program office at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The network is operated out of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.
By Kendall Murphy
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.
About the Author
Kendall Murphy
Technical WriterKendall Murphy is a technical writer for the Space Communications and Navigation program office. She specializes in internal and external engagement, educating readers about space communications and navigation technology.
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Last Updated Jan 22, 2025 EditorGoddard Digital TeamContactKendall Murphykendall.t.murphy@nasa.govLocationGoddard Space Flight Center Related Terms
Manufacturing, Materials, 3-D Printing Goddard Space Flight Center Scientific Balloons Space Communications & Navigation Program Space Communications Technology Technology Explore More
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By European Space Agency
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By NASA
6 Min Read NASA International Space Apps Challenge Announces 2024 Global Winners
The 2024 NASA Space Apps Challenge was hosted at 485 events in 163 countries and territories. Credits: NASA NASA Space Apps has named 10 global winners, recognizing teams from around the world for their exceptional innovation and collaboration during the 2024 NASA Space Apps Challenge. As the largest annual global hackathon, this event invites participants to leverage open data from NASA and its space agency partners to tackle real-world challenges on Earth and in space.
Last year’s hackathon welcomed 93,520 registered participants, including space, science, technology, and storytelling enthusiasts of all ages. Participants gathered at local events in 163 countries and territories, forming teams to address the challenges authored by NASA subject matter experts. These challenges included subjects/themes/questions in ocean ecosystems, exoplanet exploration, Earth observation, planetary seismology, and more.
The 2024 Global Winners were determined out of 9,996 project submissions and judged by subject matter experts from NASA and space agency partners.
“These 10 exceptional teams created projects that reflect our commitment to understanding our planet and exploring beyond, with the potential to transform Earth and space science for the benefit of all,” said Dr. Keith Gaddis, NASA Space Apps Challenge program scientistat NASA Headquarters in Washington. “The NASA Space Apps Challenge showcases the potential of every idea and individual. I am excited to see how these innovators will shape and inspire the future of science and exploration.”
You can watch the Global Winners Announcement here to meet these winning teams and learn about the inspiration behind their projects.
2024 NASA Space Apps Challenge Global Winners
Best Use of Science Award: WMPGang
Team Members: Dakota C., Ian C., Maximilian V., Simon S.
Challenge: Create an Orrery Web App that Displays Near-Earth Objects
Country/Territory: Waterloo,Canada
Using their skills in programming, data analysis, and visualization, WMPGang created a web app that identifies satellite risk zones using real-time data on Near-Earth Objects and meteor streams.
Learn more about WMPGang’s SkyShield: Protecting Earth and Satellites from Space Hazards project Best Use of Data Award: GaamaRamma
Team Members: Aakash H., Arun G., Arthur A., Gabriel A., May K.
Challenge: Leveraging Earth Observation Data for Informed Agricultural Decision-Making
Country/Territory: Universal Event, United States
GaamaRamma’s team of tech enthusiasts aimed to create a sustainable way to help farmers efficiently manage water availability in the face of drought, pests, and disease.
Learn more about GaamaRamma’s Waterwise project Best Use of Technology Award: 42 QuakeHeroes
Team Members: Alailton A., Ana B., Gabriel C., Gustavo M., Gustavo T., Larissa M.
Challenge: Seismic Detection Across the Solar System
Country/Territory: Maceió, Brazil
Team 42 QuakeHeroes employed a deep neural network model to identify the precise locations of seismic events within time-series data. They used advanced signal processing techniques to isolate and analyze unique components of non-stationary signals.
Learn more about 42 QuakeHeroes’ project Galactic Impact Award: NVS-knot
Team Members: Oksana M., Oleksandra M., Prokipchyn Y., Val K.
Challenge: Leveraging Earth Observation Data for Informed Agricultural Decision-Making
Country/Territory: Kyiv, Ukraine
The NVS-knot team assessed planting conditions using surface soil moisture and evapotranspiration data, then created an app that empowers farmers to manage planting risks.
Learn more about NVS-knot’s 2plant | ! 2plant project Best Mission Concept Award: AsturExplorers
Team Members: Coral M., Daniel C., Daniel V., Juan B., Samuel G., Vladimir C.
Challenge: Landsat Reflectance Data: On the Fly and at Your Fingertips
Country/Territory: Gijón, Spain
AsturExplorers created Landsat Connect, a web app that provides a simple, intuitive way to track Landast satellites and access Landsat surface reflectance data. The app also allows users to set a target location and receive notifications when Landsat satellites pass over their area.
Learn more about AsturExplorers’ Landsat Connect project Most Inspirational Award: Innovisionaries
Team Members: Rikzah K., Samira K., Shafeeqa J., Umamah A.
Challenge: SDGs in the Classroom
Country/Territory: Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Innovisionaries developed Eco-Metropolis to inspire sustainability through gameplay. This city-building game engages players in making critical urban planning and resource management decisions based on real-world environmental data.
Learn more about Innovisionaries’ Eco-Metropolis: Sustainable City Simulation project Best Storytelling Award: TerraTales
Team Members: Ahmed R., Fatma E., Habiba A., Judy A., Maya M.
Challenge: Tell Us a Climate Story!
Country/Territory: Cairo, Egypt
TerraTales shared stories of how Earth’s changing climate affects three unique regions: Egypt, Brazil, and Germany. The web app also features an artificial intelligence (AI) model for climate forecasting and an interactive game to encourage users to make eco-friendly choices.
Learn more about TerraTale’s project Global Connection Award: Asteroid Destroyer
Team Members: Kapeesh K., Khoi N., Sathyajit L., Satyam S.
Challenge: Navigator for the Habitable Worlds Observatory (HWO): Mapping the Characterizable Exoplanets in our Galaxy
Country/Territory: Saskatoon, Canada
Team Asteroid Destroyer honed in on exoplanets, utilizing data processing and machine learning techniques to map exoplanets based on size, temperature, and distance.
Learn more about Asteroid Destroyer’s project Art & Technology Award: Connected Earth Museum
Team Members: Gabriel M., Luc R., Lucas R., Mattheus L., Pedro C., Riccardo S.
Challenge: Imagine our Connected Earth
Country/Territory: Campinas, Brazil
Team Connected Earth Museum created an immersive virtual museum experience to raise awareness of Earth’s changing climate. An AI host guides users through an interactive gallery featuring 3D and 2D visualizations, including a time series on Earth and ocean temperatures, population density, wildfires, and more.
Learn more about Connected Earth Museums’ project Local Impact Award: Team I.O.
Team Members: Frank R., Jan K., Raphael R., Ryan Z., Victoria M.
Challenge: Community Mapping
Country/Territory: Florianópolis, Brazil
Team I.O. bridges the gap between complex Geographic Information Systems data and user-friendly communication, making critical environmental information accessible to everyone, regardless of technical expertise.
Learn more about Team I.O.’s G.R.O.W. (Global Recovery and Observation of Wildfires) project Want to take part in the 2025 NASA Space Apps Challenge? Mark your calendars for October 4 and 5! Registration will open in July. At that time, participants will be able to register for a local event hosted by NASA Space Apps leads from around the world. You can stay connected with NASA Space Apps on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
Space Apps is funded by NASA’s Earth Science Division through a contract with Booz Allen Hamilton, Mindgrub, and SecondMuse.
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Last Updated Jan 16, 2025 Related Terms
STEM Engagement at NASA Earth View the full article
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By Space Force
Space Launch Delta 45 supported the maiden flight for Blue Origin’s New Glenn from Space Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
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