SWISSto12 has introduced progress in 2025. The satellite tv for pc maker specializing in additively manufactured elements introduced that its revenues are up 40%. It has additionally continued constructing the primary 4 of its personal HummingSat GEO satellites for SES and Viasat, whereas being chosen by Astrum Cell to construct the NEASTAR-1 GEO satellite tv for pc for them. The corporate additionally introduced the discharge of the HummingLink-SOTP, {a partially} 3D printed GEOsat person terminal.
HummingLinkSOTP is a Satcom-On-The-Pause (SOTP) terminal that comes with 3D printing all through to supply a small, compact unit that communicates properly with GEO-based satellites. SOPT or Communications on the Pause is a stationary, quick-to-set-up, quick-to-connect system. That is totally different from Communications on the Transfer, that are extra complicated vehicle-mounted programs that must work properly when a automobile, airplane, or ship is consistently shifting. Whereas the latter can be utilized for the web whereas on the transfer or for persistent communications, SOPT is extra generally utilized in particular conditions when stationary. These programs are man-packable, in strong circumstances, and must be tremendous easy to arrange and join in numerous totally different locations. Consider a distant group of forestry staff speaking their place, or a geology staff working within the Arctic reporting an issue. The very apparent use for a fancy lower than 50 CM in diameter system is, in fact, for troops to make use of it to radio for help or report dwelling. Creating such a functionality impartial of the capricious SpaceX and the US extra typically can be a big boon to many countries and organizations worldwide aiming for safer impartial communications. SWISSTo12’s system is on the market throughout the three main satellite tv for pc communication Ka-, Ku-, and X-bands.
Its emergency alert satellite tv for pc challenge, NEASTAR-1, with Asian sat telephone agency, Astrum Cell, is progressing. This method hopes to function uninterrupted throughout typhoons and different emergencies. The agency additionally experiences progress on electronically steered antennas and phased array antenna programs. It is usually trying so as to add its know-how to others’ LEO, MEO, and GEO platforms. Concurrently, it’s engaged on its first 4 satellites.

The HummingLink-SOTP, SWISSto12’s partially 3D-printed GEO satellite tv for pc person terminal. Picture courtesy of SWISSto12.
The corporate grew headcount by 38% and added key satcom executives to its board. CEO, Emile de Rijk acknowledged that “By increasing our groups and product improvements worldwide, we’re empowering our clients with agile satellite tv for pc options and assembly the growing demand for satellite tv for pc sovereignty. SWISSto12’s improvements in GEO small satellites, RF applied sciences, and floor programs are enabling agile, safe communications that operators, organizations and nation states can depend on, regardless of their location. We’re excited to speed up this momentum in 2026.”
I’m an enormous SWISSto12 fan. RF elements are one of many largest utility areas for 3D printing. Effectively working antenna will be made with additive and might outperform conventionally manufactured ones. What’s extra, low-weight elements and useful integration will be particularly advantageous in RF. Making conformal elements and decreasing half depend additionally actually matter. The mix makes for a really compelling case for 3D printed RF. Solely Optisys and SWISSTo12 are publicly advertising the power to create these elements. SWISSTo12 has partnered with ESA and Northrop, showcasing a capability to be a impartial accomplice to each US protection primes and European firms. SWISSTo12 moreover each makes elements for others and its personal satellites. That may very well be an important enterprise mannequin because the satellite tv for pc launch market turns into extra crowded and constellations start to fill the skies. The corporate lately expanded via the acquisition of 4 Additive Industries machines and Hanwa’s IP in phased array, displaying that it’s on the transfer.
I can’t think about an space extra suited to 3D printing proper now than RF. The satellite tv for pc market can be at the moment experiencing an explosion within the variety of satellites, satellite-based companies, and funding. The corporate additionally appears to be rising sensibly and is more and more in a position to meet the market sooner or later. SWISSTO12 is certainly an organization to observe, and it might leverage 3D printing to rule the satellite tv for pc communications house.
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