Home - Fortastra taps Hadrian’s automated factories to speed up satellite production Aerospace Fortastra taps Hadrian’s automated factories to speed up satellite production Paloma Duran 4 weeks ago 0 Spacecraft developer Fortastra is turning to automated manufacturer Hadrian to help it build satellites faster. The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) this week laying the groundwork for Hadrian’s precision machining and additive manufacturing capabilities to be applied to Fortastra’s satellite programs, with an eye toward eventual funded prototype work addressing national security space needs. At stake is production speed. Fortastra, which builds maneuverable spacecraft for defense and commercial customers, is hoping Hadrian’s heavily automated factories can cut down the time and friction in its development lifecycle, from faster turnaround to clearer visibility into production status to a manufacturing base resilient enough to keep programs on schedule. In exchange, Fortastra brings years of experience getting hardware certified to fly in space, expertise the companies say will help push Hadrian’s manufacturing processes toward the reliability spaceflight demands. Fortastra building spacecraft. Photo via Fortastra. What the two sides will actually test The MOU outlines a broad scope of manufacturing methods for joint evaluation. On the additive side, this includes metal and polymer 3D printing, direct energy deposition and binder jetting; on the subtractive side, precision CNC machining, EDM and laser cutting; and further afield, emerging techniques such as cold spray, friction stir welding and composite layup, each assessed against Fortastra’s specific satellite bus requirements. The collaboration extends beyond parts supply. Hadrian will participate in Fortastra’s design reviews and major engineering milestones, contributing input on manufacturability, feasibility and risk as programs progress. Fortastra, in turn, will provide standards expertise, including MIL-STD, ECSS, SMC and NASA qualification requirements, that Hadrian will need to certify its manufacturing processes for use in orbit. “Fortastra is building the future of autonomous orbital systems, and manufacturing is one of the most crucial leverage points in delivering capability at speed and scale,” said Mike Smayda, CEO of Fortastra. “This partnership with Hadrian brings world-class manufacturing expertise directly into our engineering process, positioning us to pursue funded prototype efforts that validate advanced manufacturing’s impact on satellite development for national security missions.” Rendering of Hadrian’s F3 Facility in Mesa, AZ. Image via Hadrian. Building on an Existing Additive Push Hadrian’s push into additive manufacturing didn’t start with this deal.