The Future of Deployable systems 

At Astradyne, we believe that the next generation of in-space assets will rely more and more on deployable systems and structures. Satellite constellations, space stations, and interstellar spacecraft will need new capabilities while reducing their footprint to bring down their cost-to-orbit.

 

Funded by the European Union

 

Innovative Materials and technologies 

We focus our research on innovative, flexible, and stretchable materials that are able to withstand space conditions while delivering an unprecedented dynamic range of motion. Astradyne’s proprietary technology allows seamless integration between complex electronics and stretchable materials.

Space-rated engineering 

Space is hard. The combined expertise of Astradyne in the space sector enables the highest level of engineering in all of our projects. We deliver our products in strict compliance with the strictest requirements for space applications, from design to manufacturing. 

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The Future of Deployable systems 

At Astradyne, we believe that the next generation of in-space assets will rely more and more on deployable systems and structures. Satellite constellations, space stations, and interstellar spacecraft will need new capabilities while reducing their footprint to bring down their cost-to-orbit.

 

Funded by the European Union

 

Innovative Materials and technologies 

We focus our research on innovative, flexible, and stretchable materials that are able to withstand space conditions while delivering an unprecedented dynamic range of motion. Astradyne’s proprietary technology allows seamless integration between complex electronics and stretchable materials.

Space-rated engineering 

Space is hard. The combined expertise of Astradyne in the space sector enables the highest level of engineering in all of our projects. We deliver our products in strict compliance with the strictest requirements for space applications, from design to manufacturing. 

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Unprecedented capabilities in Space

As the space sector grows rapidly, so does the need for new capabilities. Advanced artificial intelligence algorithms, multi-mission radars, and multi-spectral cameras are just some examples of advanced capability payloads now becoming more and more common onboard satellites.

As we further develop those capabilities, so do the derived power requirements. The other main factor that drives the current wave of innovations in space development is cost reduction, often achieved through mass reduction and miniaturization. Lower mass and higher power requirements are generally incompatible requirements.

Astradyne technology aims to provide a technological enabler that will allow to pack a superior power generating surface into a lower lunch volume. This is made possible through the use of the millennial art of folding paper applied to the most advanced space engineering. Even if very ancient, the origami technique has deep mathematical roots, and has already found many technological applications in different fields of engineering, medicine, and architecture.

Full spectrum innovation

Technological transfer is one of the main drivers of Astradyne innovation. We develop from space for earth using a new approach to flexible electonics integration. Our proprietary F.R.E.T. -Flexible-Reinforced-Electronics-Textile- technology is suitable for a large range of applications, in space as well on the ground. Wearable technologies, robotics, inflatable space modules and deployable antennas are just some of the possible applications for which F.R.E.T. is considered. 

 

The history of our technology start at NASA JPL, that studied a foldable planetary rover based on structural electronics called PUFFER. Our CEO, Alessandro Buscicchio, was part of the research team, and years after project conclusion, optimized the textile electronics integration technology that he contributed to create at the time. 

 

F.R.E.T is enabling a complete new engineering paradigm for integration of textile and rigid-flex electronics, that will provide a full range of new solutions to integrate smart applications on textiles, while reinforcing the mechanical properties of flexible electronics thanks to the utilization of high-strength fabrics. 

A new manufacturing paradigm

One great advantage of the Astradyne approach is the low complexity of the manufacturing process required by the F.R.E.T. technology. This feature is critical for lowering production costs and integrating products quickly. industrial process makes use of proven machinery already part of the most common PCB manufacturing production lines.

The revolutionary integration process enables overcoming the current limitations of rigid-flex electronics in terms of durability and resistance to mechanical stress. This feature enables unprecedented applications of this technology to deal with extreme environmental conditions, a highly dynamic range of motions, or the challenges of integrating distributed electronics.

F.R.E.T. is the first real technological enabler of Origami folding in space engineering, opening the doors for a leap of innovation across the whole space sector, from deployable solar panels to space suits, defining a new manufacturing standard for the industry.

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Unprecedented capabilities in Space

As the space sector grows rapidly, so does the need for new capabilities. Advanced artificial intelligence algorithms, multi-mission radars, and multi-spectral cameras are just some examples of advanced capability payloads now becoming more and more common onboard satellites.

As we further develop those capabilities, so do the derived power requirements. The other main factor that drives the current wave of innovations in space development is cost reduction, often achieved through mass reduction and miniaturization. Lower mass and higher power requirements are generally incompatible requirements.

Astradyne technology aims to provide a technological enabler that will allow to pack a superior power generating surface into a lower lunch volume. This is made possible through the use of the millennial art of folding paper applied to the most advanced space engineering. Even if very ancient, the origami technique has deep mathematical roots, and has already found many technological applications in different fields of engineering, medicine, and architecture.

Full spectrum innovation

Technological transfer is one of the main drivers of Astradyne innovation. We develop from space for earth using a new approach to flexible electonics integration. Our proprietary F.R.E.T. -Flexible-Reinforced-Electronics-Textile- technology is suitable for a large range of applications, in space as well on the ground. Wearable technologies, robotics, inflatable space modules and deployable antennas are just some of the possible applications for which F.R.E.T. is considered. 

 

The history of our technology start at NASA JPL, that studied a foldable planetary rover based on structural electronics called PUFFER. Our CEO, Alessandro Buscicchio, was part of the research team, and years after project conclusion, optimized the textile electronics integration technology that he contributed to create at the time. 

 

F.R.E.T is enabling a complete new engineering paradigm for integration of textile and rigid-flex electronics, that will provide a full range of new solutions to integrate smart applications on textiles, while reinforcing the mechanical properties of flexible electronics thanks to the utilization of high-strength fabrics. 

A new manufacturing paradigm

One great advantage of the Astradyne approach is the low complexity of the manufacturing process required by the F.R.E.T. technology. This feature is critical for lowering production costs and integrating products quickly. industrial process makes use of proven machinery already part of the most common PCB manufacturing production lines.

The revolutionary integration process enables overcoming the current limitations of rigid-flex electronics in terms of durability and resistance to mechanical stress. This feature enables unprecedented applications of this technology to deal with extreme environmental conditions, a highly dynamic range of motions, or the challenges of integrating distributed electronics.

F.R.E.T. is the first real technological enabler of Origami folding in space engineering, opening the doors for a leap of innovation across the whole space sector, from deployable solar panels to space suits, defining a new manufacturing standard for the industry.

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One technology, infinite applications

A feasible, space-grade technology that allows seamless bonding within electronics and textile has incalculable ramifications on the technology industry. From wearable devices to deployable space antennas, FRET offers an opportunity to change the system integration paradigm forever.

At Astradyne we tirelessly research new applications to expand our technology. We can offer a proprietary textile-electronics framework that provides an unprecedented bonding strength and resistance to dynamic stress, allowing completely new scenarios where technology is blended together with fabric.

 

In 1962, in his book “Profiles of the Future: An Inquiry into the Limits of the Possible”, science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke formulated his famous three laws about the future. The third one, and most widely cited, recites:

 

“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic”.

 

We imagine a future in which electronics are structural in any hardware. A future in which computers and sensors are integrated in clothing, providing access to data can change – and save – lives.

 

We are providing the platform. Help us imagine the future.

 

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Deployable solar panels

FRET technology is an enabler of origami structures, speculated a long time ago by NASA. Solarcube, our first space product, will provide unprecedented power production areas for satellites.

Space Antennas

The capabilities of antennas and radar are directly correlated with their deployed area. This factor has been one of the main drivers of the development of deployable systems in space. Our solution can further reduce the volume and mass dedicated to on-board electronics, offering the opportunity to integrate it with the deployable surface.

Inflatable modules

The future of habitability in space is inflatable. Most of the new commercial space station projects include inflatable elements. FRET technology can deliver new sensing capabilities for inflatable modules, such as impact detection and continuous structural monitoring.

Space suits

EVA spacesuits are small spacecraft that protect astronauts from the dangers of the space environment. Integrating advanced sensing capabilities is a fundamental challenge for the future of space exploration. Thanks to Astradyne technology, we can directly integrate the sensors with the spacesuit layers.

Wearable technologies

Wearables are more than a trend nowadays. In the US alone, more than 40 million people wear at least one of those devices daily. We envision the future of those devices being fully integrated with our clothing as a leap in their development.

Robotics

Robotic systems are becoming more performant and integrated into our society. As their complexity rises, so do their precision and dynamic range. Astradyne offers a novel technological framework to develop new robotic platforms.

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One technology, infinite applications

A feasible, space-grade technology that allows seamless bonding within electronics and textile has incalculable ramifications on the technology industry. From wearable devices to deployable space antennas, FRET offers an opportunity to change the system integration paradigm forever.

At Astradyne we tirelessly research new applications to expand our technology. We can offer a proprietary textile-electronics framework that provides an unprecedented bonding strength and resistance to dynamic stress, allowing completely new scenarios where technology is blended together with fabric.

 

In 1962, in his book “Profiles of the Future: An Inquiry into the Limits of the Possible”, science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke formulated his famous three laws about the future. The third one, and most widely cited, recites:

 

“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic”.

 

We imagine a future in which electronics are structural in any hardware. A future in which computers and sensors are integrated in clothing, providing access to data can change – and save – lives.

 

We are providing the platform. Help us imagine the future.

 

Scroll

Deployable solar panels

FRET technology is an enabler of origami structures, speculated a long time ago by NASA. Solarcube, our first space product, will provide unprecedented power production areas for satellites.

Space Antennas

The capabilities of antennas and radar are directly correlated with their deployed area. This factor has been one of the main drivers of the development of deployable systems in space. Our solution can further reduce the volume and mass dedicated to on-board electronics, offering the opportunity to integrate it with the deployable surface.

Inflatable modules

The future of habitability in space is inflatable. Most of the new commercial space station projects include inflatable elements. FRET technology can deliver new sensing capabilities for inflatable modules, such as impact detection and continuous structural monitoring.

Space suits

EVA spacesuits are small spacecraft that protect astronauts from the dangers of the space environment. Integrating advanced sensing capabilities is a fundamental challenge for the future of space exploration. Thanks to Astradyne technology, we can directly integrate the sensors with the spacesuit layers.

Wearable technologies

Wearables are more than a trend nowadays. In the US alone, more than 40 million people wear at least one of those devices daily. We envision the future of those devices being fully integrated with our clothing as a leap in their development.

Robotics

Robotic systems are becoming more performant and integrated into our society. As their complexity rises, so do their precision and dynamic range. Astradyne offers a novel technological framework to develop new robotic platforms.

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Open positions

Astradyne is a fast-growing reality. Join us and apply for one of our vacancies.

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Open positions 2024

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Open positions

Astradyne is a fast-growing reality. Join us and apply for one of our vacancies.

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Open positions 2024

click on the text for more details

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F.R.E.T

SolarCube

F.R.E.T

Contact us

Flexible, Reinforced Electronics with Textile (FRET)

Astradyne has developed an innovative technology named FRET (Flexible, Reinforced Electronics with Textile), which reinforces Flex PCBs (flexible printed circuit boards) with textile materials.

The Flex PCB is widely adopted in the space sector. It is based on a polyamide flexible layer that allows electronics component integration on a flexible surface. A significant limitation of the Flex PCB is its fragility. Polyamide can be easily broken if subject to mechanical solicitations, and for this reason is not suitable for applications that requires high levels of reliability, such as mechanical in-space deployment.

 

A completely new industrial process

The FRET technology overcomes the mechanical limitations of polyamide using high-strength fabric materials such as Nomex to support the folding patterns of Flex PCBs. The FRET technology alone does not have intrinsic value, therefore it must be paired with a practical use-case. The first application identified by the Astradyne team is SolarCube, which represents a stand-alone product and can also be envisioned as a technological demonstrator for a variety of space applications.

F.R.E.T is enabling a complete new engineering paradigm for integration of textile and rigid-flex electronics, that will provide a full range of new solutions to integrate smart applications on textiles, while reinforcing the mechanical properties of flexible electronics thanks to the utilization of high-strength fabrics. F.R.E.T. is the first real technological enabler of Origami folding in space engineering, opening the doors for a leap of innovation across the whole space sector, from deployable solar panels to space suits, defining a new manufacturing standard for the industry.

Download now the FRET technology brochure

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SolarCube

Contact us

SolarCube

SolarCube brings to market a new paradigm of solar power management. The primary objective for which Astradyne developed this concept is to demonstrate the feasibility of FRET technology to implement origami structures for cubesat and smallsat applications. SolarCube is designed to adapt to any 4 to 12U cubesats and can provide a power-producing surface 50 times superior to current designs using simple Rigid PCBs technology. Solarcube is the first commercial solar panel unit utilizing the Origami theory in space hardware. Regardless being studied and tested by different Space Agencies since the ‘60s, Origami structures has never been used in commercial products, mainly for the lacking of a reliable enabling technology.

Origami for space

The SolarCube folding pattern is based on the traditional Flasher Square Origami Pattern.

Although relatively easy to reproduce with paper, this design creates several challenges when approached with common materials and manufacturing techniques. Hinges need to be soft and bend easily, while the main structure must be strong enough to maintain its shape when folded and unfolded. From an engineering standpoint, this can be achieved using composite materials, where a softer part is used for the folding crests, and a tougher material is used for the rigid area. The deployment system will be developed by an external contractor with specific knowledge in those kinds of engineering solutions. As we speak, on the market there are many different producers of off-the-shelves deployment systems, both for rigid and flex technologies. Few of them are developing COTS products for complex geometries deployment, and Astradyne already approached the ones that are developing technologies suitable for FRET implementation.

The Astradyne paradigm

Those companies focus their research on commercial applications of legacy deployment systems based on experimental projects from space agencies such as ESA and NASA. The ideal deployment system for SolarCube is based on a preloaded spring deployment of semirigid ribs, which excludes the risks associated with active components such as motors.

SolarCube has a stowed to deployed surface ratio of 1:50 which allows it to greatly increase the energy production capacity of spacecraft while reducing its volume.

Astradyne will soon expand the use of its innovation to other deployable structures, such as antennas and habitation modules.

Download today Solarcube`s brochure and learn how Astradyne is changing the deployable space structure paradigm.

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