EUTELSAT 7C satellite: Launched in 2019, the Maxar-built, all-electric EUTELSAT 7C satellite uses nearly 1000 additively manufactured components. Photo: Supplied
Auckland based 3D printing company Zenith Tecnica has printed hundreds of parts for five mega satellites - each as big as a double decker bus.
Their material of choice is titanium.
Two hundred and sixty of their components are now tracing a path in orbit for US space company Maxar Technologies. Almost three hundred more are in production, readying for eight other satellites.
The NZ-made titanium parts are special because they're super strong and light.
They have a longer than average space life and one part does the job of many.
Zenith Tecnica has also printed titanium parts for Americas Cup yachts, hip replacements and prosthetics for paralympians.
Technical director of Zenith Tecnica Peter Sefont speaks with Kathryn Ryan.
