Space

In the extreme environment of space, characterized by intense radiation, vacuum, thermal cycling from -150 °C to +150 °C, and the relentless demand for size, weight, and power (SWaP) reduction, every component must deliver uncompromising reliability. 

FEMTOPRINT’s ultrafast femtosecond laser glass microfabrication technology enables the monolithic creation of high-precision, 3D glass microdevices that outperform traditional materials and assembly methods. Using radiation-hard fused silica and low-CTE glasses, we produce complex 3D structures with sub-micron accuracy, integrated waveguides, microlenses and features in a single, vacuum-compatible hermetic substrate. 

For the next-generation space instrumentation, satellite telecom payloads, optical sensing systems, or scientific payloads, our Swiss-made glass microfabrication platform accelerates your time-to-orbit while eliminating interfaces that are common points of failure. 

Main Space Applications 

Space Instrumentation Our 3D glass microdevices support compact, high-stability scientific instruments for orbital and deep-space missions. Monolithic integration of flexible functions reduces mass and improves vibration resistance, critical for spectrometers, interferometers, and laser-based diagnostics. 

Telescopes & Telecom FEMTOPRINT delivers precision fiber ferrules, microlenses, and 3D waveguides optimized for astronomical telescopes and high-bandwidth satellite communication. Our glass components enable diffraction-limited optical performance with ultra-low insertion loss and perfect thermal matching to fused-silica mirrors and fiber arrays — essential for Earth observation, laser communication terminals, and deep-space optical links. 

Optical & RF Connectivity We fabricate glass interposers and RF-transparent structures that provide high-speed, low-loss optical and RF interconnects between satellites. Monolithic glass packaging eliminates wire bonds and adhesives, delivering radiation-hard, outgassing-free solutions for photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and phased-array antennas. 

Optical Sensing Miniaturized glass-based optofluidic sensors built with integrated lenses and microfluidic channels with unmatched sensitivity and long-term stability in orbit. Applications include radiation monitoring and in-situ chemical analysis for planetary science missions. 

Space Science From ion traps and vapor cells for quantum sensing to microfluidic chips for life-detection experiments, our technology supports fundamental research carried on payloads where precision, biocompatibility of materials, and extreme environmental resilience are non-negotiable. 

Enabling Products for Space Systems 

• Precision Mechanics. 3D laser-machined glass structures with complex internal geometries, high-aspect-ratio features, and tolerances down to one micron. Ideal for opto-mechanical mounts, alignment fixtures, and vibration-damped assemblies. 

• Fiber Ferrules, Microlenses & Waveguides. Monolithically integrated fiber-to-chip coupling solutions, free-form microlenses, and 3D curved waveguides written directly in glass. Perfect for low-loss optical interconnects in telescopes and laser terminals. 

• Glass Packaging for Electronics. Hermetic, radiation-hard glass packages that protect sensitive detectors, ASICs, and photonic chips while maintaining thermal and mechanical stability across launch and orbital conditions. 

• PCB’s & RF Antennas. Glass-based RF substrates and antennas with embedded waveguides and low-dielectric-loss properties. Enable high-frequency performance without metallic corrosion or multifaction risks. 

• Interposers & 3D Electrodes. High-density 3D glass interposers and through-glass vias for advanced packaging of electronics and sensors. Support heterogeneous integration of optical, electrical, and fluidic functions in a single chip. 

• Microfluidic Chips. All-glass microfluidic devices with integrated channels, valves, and optical windows for propellant management, cooling loops, biological sample handling, or chemical propulsion systems in micro-satellites. 

Why FEMTOPRINT Glass Microfabrication Is the Strategic Choice for Space Programs 

• Radiation Hardness. Fused silica and selected low-CTE glasses exhibit superior resistance to total ionizing dose and displacement damage compared to polymers or metals. 

• Thermal & Mechanical Stability. Near-zero coefficient of thermal expansion ensures alignment integrity across extreme temperature swings. 

• Monolithic 3D Integration. Eliminate hundreds of interfaces, adhesives, and fasteners — dramatically improving reliability and reducing SWaP. 

• Vacuum Compatibility & Low Outgassing. Inherently clean glass structures meet space outgassing requirements without additional coatings. 

• Rapid Prototyping to Qualification. From concept to flight-qualified hardware in weeks, supported by ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485-certified processes and full in-house metrology. 

• Scalability. Wafer-level processing enables cost-effective transition from engineering models to flight series production. 

CTO and R&D leaders in satellite OEMs, space agencies, and prime contractors rely on FEMTOPRINT to turn ambitious optical, photonic, and microfluidic concepts into flight-ready hardware, faster and with higher confidence than conventional manufacturing routes. 

Ready to discuss your space project?  

Contact our engineering team today for a technical consultation on how 3D glass microfabrication can accelerate your next satellite payload, telescope subsystem, or deep-space instrument.