SWISSto12 and Mitsubishi Electric partner on 3D printed satellite payloads
The companies signed a memorandum of understanding, and Mitsubishi Electric separately awarded SWISSto12 a phased array antenna contract for a Japanese government program
Swiss space hardware manufacturer SWISSto12 has signed a memorandum of understanding with Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO) to pursue joint opportunities in advanced satellite payloads, radio frequency (RF) products and market development across Japan and the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.
Separately, MELCO has awarded SWISSto12 a contract to supply phased array antenna products for a geostationary orbit secure communications program run by the Japanese government.
The partnership has paired MELCO’s satellite system expertise and integration capabilities with SWISSto12’s 3D printing designs and manufacturing processes, which the companies said form the basis of SWISSto12’s newest payloads, described as smaller, lighter and faster to build than conventional equivalents.
The MoU followed what the companies described as growing adoption of SWISSto12’s HummingLink payload technology, which applies 3D printing to payload manufacturing and has more than 2,000 units already in orbit.
Beyond the MoU, MELCO awarded SWISSto12 the contract to supply advanced phased array antenna products for Japan’s Government GEO secure communications program.
Emile de Rijk, Chief Executive Officer at SWISSto12, said the deal positioned the companies to meet rising regional demand. “We are proud to partner strategically with MELCO and support the next-generation sovereign communications system of Japan,” he said. “Demand in APAC is growing for innovative, advanced payloads and RF products across sovereign land, sea, air, and space applications, and we are confident that together, we can scale our ability to meet it.”
Masahiko Arai, Executive Officer and Group President of Defense & Space Systems at Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, said the companies would pursue new business opportunities together.
“SWISSto12’s innovative technologies, including its 3D-printing-based component manufacturing technology and small geostationary satellite platform, hold tremendous potential,” said Arai.
“By combining these technologies with our expertise in the development and manufacturing of defense and space-related systems, which we have cultivated over the years, we are confident that we can deliver unprecedented value to our customers. Through this collaboration, we will leverage the respective strengths of both companies to pursue new business opportunities in Japan and international markets, while working to deliver advanced and highly competitive defense and space solutions.”
SWISSto12 reported $140 million in revenue for 2025, more than $500 million in contracted orders and a compound annual growth rate of 110%
