On October 1, 2023, as one of the fastest-growing companies in the satellite and radio frequency (RF) product manufacturing industry, SWISSsto12 announced that it had successfully received credit support of 25 million Swiss francs (approximately 190 million RMB) from the Swiss bank UBS, aiming to actively promote the development of the European satellite industry.

This funds will mainly be used to cope with the growing demand for HummingSat satellites. It is worth noting that the HummingSat satellite is a uniquely manufactured product using SWISStoi12's leading patented 3D printing technology.

Emile de Rijk, founder and CEO of SWISSsto12, stated: The working capital provided by the Swiss Banking Group will enable us to more flexibly execute the manufacturing and delivery of the first batch of HummingSats to meet strong customer demand. Through HummingSat, SWISSsto12 is creating a new agile, high-performance small satellite for geostationary orbit, which is approximately three to five times smaller in size and lower in cost than traditional geostationary satellites, while still providing reliable critical services

He added, "We are pleased to be able to utilize our innovative geostationary communication satellites to meet the customer needs of global satellite operators and governments, which will better connect and protect global users.

Satellite Innovators

SWISStoi12 was separated from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) in Lausanne in 2011 and has since received over 53 million US dollars (approximately 380 million RMB) in funding from major investors in Switzerland and Europe, including industry giants such as Constantia New Business (CNB Capital), Swisscom Ventures, Swisscanto, and Z ü rcher Kantonalbank.

SWISStoi12's innovative use of 3D printing technology in satellite design and manufacturing has proven revolutionary. Its patented 3D printing technology not only enables the production of advanced RF products for aerospace applications, including telecommunications, electronic warfare (EW), and radar, but also paves the way for breakthroughs in satellite design.

HummingSat is one of the perfect examples of this innovation. This satellite design is inspired by the agility and seemingly static characteristics of hummingbirds, and will usher in a new era of efficient space solutions. These small satellites have a volume of just over one cubic meter, which is three to ten times smaller than traditional satellites. Its compact design significantly reduces costs and provides a unique opportunity for carpooling during rocket launches, allowing them to board larger spacecraft.

With the support of over 30 million euros (approximately 400 million yuan) from the European Space Agency (ESA), the ambitious HummingSat platform project is on track, with the first platform project specifically designed for geostationary orbit scheduled to be launched in 2025.

The strategic cooperation with ESA and groundbreaking satellite manufacturing methods highlight SWISSo12's position as a leader in the aerospace industry and demonstrate the potential of 3D printing in revolutionizing space technology.

Feedback from partners

2022 is a crucial year for SWISStoi12. Integrated satellite and ground network operator Intelsat has become its first commercial customer, supplying three HummingSat satellites to Inmarsat. The company was recently acquired by Viasat.

Swisscom Ventures partner P ä r Lange emphasized the importance of these achievements, And point out: The perfect location is in the communication market where billions of people rely on broadband, broadcasting, and security services.

3D printing satellite market has great potential

SWISStoi12 claims that through the application of 3D printing technology and relationships with industry partners, it can provide customized solutions tailored to this constantly changing demand. At present, the company's cooperation with well-known companies such as Thales Alenia Space, Elbit, IAI, and ESA highlights the industry's confidence in its capabilities. SWISStoi12 focuses on 3D printing of complex satellite components and has successfully integrated hundreds of products into in orbit satellites, including Thales' Eutelsat Konnect satellite, as well as satellites from Inmarsat in the UK and NSLComm in Israel.

Innovation is driving the development of the aerospace industry, and 3D printing has received tremendous attention in recent years. Leading aerospace companies such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Rocket Lab have applied 3D printing technology to a range of components from engines to structural surfaces. As the world becomes more interconnected, the demand for reliable and efficient satellite communication will inevitably increase.