SWISSto12 Opens 1,000m² Cleanroom for 3D Printed HummingSat Satellites

Swiss aerospace company SWISSto12 has opened a new 1,000-square-meter cleanroom at its headquarters in Renens, Switzerland, to manufacture the company's HummingSat geostationary telecommunications satellites.

The expansion augments an existing 5,500m² facility and represents a significant investment in domestic satellite production capacity. The cleanroom will be used to produce HummingSat satellites — compact, affordable geostationary communications satellites developed in partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA).

Why It Matters

The HummingSat represents a shift in satellite economics. At roughly one ton with a 200kg payload, these satellites are designed to be built in just 2-3 years — a fraction of the time required for traditional bus-sized platforms. SWISSto12 aims to offer them at roughly one-tenth the cost of the satellites they aim to replace.

"Bringing this integration capability for our advanced satellite payloads and HummingSat in-house is central to our strategy to reduce the time and cost of building our products," said Emile de Rijk, CEO and co-founder of SWISSto12. "This agility brings value to our customers who need cutting edge products and innovation delivered at speed."

Four HummingSat satellites have already been ordered. The first, Intelsat 45, is a Ku-band FSS/BSS replacement satellite. Subsequent satellites are planned for Inmarsat/Viasat's L-band network.

Proprietary 3D Printed RF Technology

SWISSto12 has become a leader in 3D printed radio frequency (RF) components for aerospace. The company's proprietary additive manufacturing process produces filters, antennas, and waveguides that are lighter, more compact, and more efficient than traditionally manufactured equivalents.

The company claims over 1,000 3D-printed RF products are already in orbit, with proven performance across the spectrum from L to Q-V band. Their customers include major aerospace players like Thales, Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin.

Beyond satellites, SWISSto12 is expanding into Active Electronically Steered Antennas (AESAs) and AESA terminals — both critical technologies for next-generation satellite communications.

The Bigger Picture

As geopolitical tensions rise, more nations are seeking sovereign communications capabilities. The HummingSat program aims to make geostationary communications accessible to countries that previously couldn't afford proprietary satellite programs.

The Swiss expansion signals growing demand for 3D printed aerospace components — a market where additive manufacturing's ability to optimize weight, reduce part counts, and create complex geometries delivers clear advantages over traditional manufacturing.