---
title: "BLT aids in successful launch of SmartSat-2A satellite"
url: https://www.voxelmatters.com/blt-aids-in-successful-launch-of-smartsat-2a-satellite/
date: 2024-03-01
modified: 2024-03-01
lang: en
author: "Edward Wakefield"
description: "Early last month, the SmartSat-2A satellite, AKA Jiagao Science and Technology Innovation No. 1, soared into space atop a Smart Dragon3 launch vehicle, launched by the China Aerospace Science and..."
categories:
  - "Aerospace AM"
  - "China"
  - "Metal Additive Manufacturing"
tags:
  - "future"
image: https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/（1）BLT-Facilitates-Successful-Launch-of-SmartSat-2A-Satellite-with-Synthetic-Aperture-Radar-640x360.jpg
word_count: 350
---

# BLT aids in successful launch of SmartSat-2A satellite

Early last month, the SmartSat-2A satellite, AKA Jiagao Science and Technology Innovation No. 1, soared into space atop a Smart Dragon3 launch vehicle, launched by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), from the vicinity of Yangjiang, Guangdong. The orbital placement of the SmartSat-2A satellite marked a milestone for Smart Satellite, showcasing their capability to independently develop satellites weighing 200kg or more, as well as design X-band SAR payloads.

The SmartSat-X1A features an integrated design approach for its synthetic aperture radar (SAR) payload. Its flat panel configuration aligns with future multi-satellite serial launches and demands lightweight and agile manufacturing of components. Here, metal 3D printing technology, provided by [BLT, an industrial Chinese metal 3D printing company](https://www.voxelmatters.directory/company/bright-laser-technologies/), emerged as a pivotal enabler - offering inherent advantages in producing large-scale, intricately structured components for aerospace applications. The technology's ability to ensure both quality and performance while streamlining production processes aids in cost reduction and efficiency enhancement.

[![BLT aids in successful launch of SmartSat-2A satellite - with two BLT-S1000 systems to 3D print a satellite body and array panel structures.](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/（3）BLT-Facilitates-Successful-Launch-of-SmartSat-2A-Satellite-with-Synthetic-Aperture-Radar.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/（3）BLT-Facilitates-Successful-Launch-of-SmartSat-2A-Satellite-with-Synthetic-Aperture-Radar.jpg)

[![BLT aids in successful launch of SmartSat-2A satellite - with two BLT-S1000 systems to 3D print a satellite body and array panel structures.](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/（2）BLT-Facilitates-Successful-Launch-of-SmartSat-2A-Satellite-with-Synthetic-Aperture-Radar.jpg)](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/（2）BLT-Facilitates-Successful-Launch-of-SmartSat-2A-Satellite-with-Synthetic-Aperture-Radar.jpg)

BLT [leveraged two BLT-S1000 systems](https://www.voxelmatters.com/blt-signs-distribution-deals-for-korea-poland-and-africa/) to 3D print one satellite body structure and three array panel structures. The panel structure measures 1300mm x 980mm x 20mm, while the satellite body structure measures 1300mm x 1126mm x 335mm - making it the largest 3D printed satellite structure currently in orbit in China. Both the satellite body structure and panel utilize AlSi10Mg material, which facilitates large-scale lattice-skin structures with a mere 0.5mm wall thickness and lattice filament diameter design. BLT team conducted thorough analyses of part characteristics and operating conditions - overcoming challenges of deformation of large-scale panel-type skin lattice components through meticulous process optimization.

![BLT aids in successful launch of SmartSat-2A satellite - with two BLT-S1000 systems to 3D print a satellite body and array panel structures.](https://www.voxelmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/（4）BLT-Facilitates-Successful-Launch-of-SmartSat-2A-Satellite-with-Synthetic-Aperture-Radar.png)BLT's BLT-S1000 system.

As the demand for high-performance aerospace components continues to soar, BLT's metal additive manufacturing solutions have positioned it as a key player in the industry. The scalability and precision offered by its large-format multi-laser printing systems like the BLT-S1000 and BLT-1500 have enabled the production of complex parts with unmatched efficiency and accuracy. From satellite bodies to propulsion systems, [metal additive manufacturing has not only accelerated the pace of aerospace innovation](https://www.voxelmatters.com/3d-printing-according-to-space-tech-expo-europe-2023/) but has also contributed to cost reduction and enhanced sustainability.