Voltera SpaceTech v2

Voltera V-One can be used in the space sector during the research and development (R&D) phase, in particular for early prototyping and validation of electronic systems intended for satellite and suborbital applications.

The scope of technical applications in SpaceTech

  • PCB prototyping for CubeSat and SmallSat systems
    Quickly verify the topology of power supply circuits (EPS), RF communication modules, telemetry systems and attitude control systems (ADCS).

  • Construction of test boards
    Creation of component validation boards prior to environmental qualification (thermal cycling, vibration, vacuum).

  • Iterative Design of Low-Power Electronics
    Testing the architecture of power supply paths, integration of microcontrollers, FPGAs, MEMS sensors and communication interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART, CAN).

  • Technology demonstrators
    Rapid production of functional prototypes before moving the project to production compliant with space standards (ECSS, NASA standards).

Princeton University

Voltera V-One enabled students and research teams to design their own satellite modules (CubeSat) while still a student. With this desktop PCB printer, they could quickly prototype electronics, test systems, and prepare functional PCBs in the lab.

Projects developed using V-One were carried out as part of actual space missions – students could see their modules sent to the International Space Station during a resupply mission.

This tool allowed us to combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience, shortening the path from concept to working prototype, while also preparing us for work in advanced fields such as aeronautics, satellite technologies and embedded systems.

"I'm building our small spacecraft design lab with a strong emphasis on students being able to build every component of a spacecraft entirely on their own in the lab. By the time they graduate, they have the opportunity to take a small spacecraft through all the stages—from concept… all the way to orbital launch."

“It's truly one of the most challenging projects humans undertake—designing an autonomous spacecraft that operates in orbit.”

CubeSat 3

– Mike Galvin
Sr. Technical Support, Mechanical Engineering at Princeton University
Voltera V-one
Voltera V-one

Princeton University CubeSat was launched into space on February 20, 2021. It entered a free orbit at Mach 20 and orbited Earth for several days, collecting data.

NASA was initially concerned that the conductive ink would not react well in vacuum conditions, but no conductivity breaks were observed on any of the printed circuit boards using V-One.

NASA/UAH

Research team from University of Alabama at Huntsville and NASA Marshall Space Flight Center developed a prototype for a flexible, wearable system for monitoring vital signs. The primary goal was to create a minimally invasive solution that would allow for long-term monitoring of astronauts' breathing and CO2 levels, replacing the existing, cumbersome and cumbersome measuring devices.

Technology and Materials Used

  • CyBLE Platform: A flexible printed circuit board based on a Kapton substrate was used, equipped with an Arm Cortex M0 microcontroller and a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connectivity module. The platform integrated inertial sensors (9 DOF) and environmental sensors.

  • Innovative Dielectric Material: The key element was a NASA-developed ceramic dielectric (barium titanate with additives), applied using a printing method (screen printing or microdosing). This material was characterized by exceptional sensitivity to moisture contained in exhaled air.

  • Measuring Mechanism: Complex signal conditioning systems were dispensed with. Instead, a microcontroller touchscreen interface (TSI) was used to directly measure changes in the sensor's electrical capacitance induced by breathing.

NASA VOLTERA
NASA VOLTERA

Research Course and Results Obtained

Energy Efficiency: The studies showed that the developed printed sensors consumed negligible amounts of power (approx. 0,5 mW), which was a huge improvement compared to commercial gas sensors (e.g. CCS811) which required about 90 mW.

Sensitivity and Range: The 2×4 mm sensor turned out to be extremely precise – it could detect the presence of breath even from a distance exceeding 20 cm.

Durability: The ceramic construction of the sensor made it resistant to external factors such as sweat, water and corrosive substances, which was crucial for applications in spacesuits.

Human Validation: Tests conducted on a group of nine volunteers confirmed the stability of the measurements. The system accurately recorded respiratory rhythm (average 10,7 breaths per minute), and volume changes were clear and easy to interpret digitally.

The project demonstrated that printed electronics enabled significant miniaturization and personalization of medical devices. This technology was deemed ready for integration with life support systems and smart clothing, offering passive and energy-efficient health monitoring in extreme conditions.