# 179. 3D Printed Mini Thrusters For Space Travel

- Show: [The Next Byte Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast)
- Published: 2024-06-18
- Length: 20m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-06-18-179-3d-printed-mini-thrusters-for-space-travel
- Listen: https://the-next-byte-wevolver.simplecast.com/episodes/179-3d-printed-mini-thrusters-for-space-travel-jTveFpV_

## Summary

Hosts Daniel and Forbode discuss MIT researchers' development of miniaturized electric space thrusters using field electron emitters (FEEs) manufactured by the startup Volterra. They explain how Volterra's Nova desktop 3D printer, combined with a custom carbon nanotube ink formulation, overcomes the high cost and long lead times of traditional cleanroom manufacturing. The team achieved 35% lower startup voltage and 65% higher current density than previous 3D-printed counterparts, enabling rapid 30-second production of high-performance components for CubeSats and scientific instruments.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-06-18-179-3d-printed-mini-thrusters-for-space-travel#t=0) Introduction: Sponsor Read and Desktop PCB Printing
- [3:56](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-06-18-179-3d-printed-mini-thrusters-for-space-travel#t=236) Field Electron Emitters and Space Propulsion Applications
- [7:17](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-06-18-179-3d-printed-mini-thrusters-for-space-travel#t=437) Manufacturing Bottlenecks and Cleanroom Costs
- [9:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-06-18-179-3d-printed-mini-thrusters-for-space-travel#t=565) Volterra Nova Printer and Ink Formulation
- [13:34](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-06-18-179-3d-printed-mini-thrusters-for-space-travel#t=814) Optimizing Carbon Nanotube Ink and Performance Results
- [17:34](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2024-06-18-179-3d-printed-mini-thrusters-for-space-travel#t=1054) Summary of FEE Benefits and Impact

## Topics

- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Mouser Electronics (company)
- Volterra (company)
- Volterra Nova (product)
- MIT (company)
- carbon nanotubes (material)
- ethyl cellulose (material)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Ep097: We ♥ MicroMice, the Case of the Missing Drones, and 3D Prints Tested for Rocketry and Food Prep](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2020-12-11-ep097-we-micromice-the-case-of-the-missing-drones-and-3d-prints-tested-for-rocke) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Ep 272: Desktop EDM, Silence of the Leaves, and the Tyranny of the Rocket Equation](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2024-05-24-ep-272-desktop-edm-silence-of-the-leaves-and-the-tyranny-of-the-rocket-equation) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Ep 169: 3D Print Vase Mode: Engage, Measuring Nanovolts through Mega DIY, and The Softest Pants are Software Pants](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2022-05-20-ep-169-3d-print-vase-mode-engage-measuring-nanovolts-through-mega-diy-and-the-so) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Ep 255: Balloon on the Moon, Nanotech Goblets, and USB All the Way](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2024-02-02-ep-255-balloon-on-the-moon-nanotech-goblets-and-usb-all-the-way) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Ep 217: The Unintentional Space and 3D Printing Episode](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2023-05-05-ep-217-the-unintentional-space-and-3d-printing-episode-eaccf4fe) (Hackaday Podcast)

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