Sendivogius - innovative materials for space/UAVs

What it does

We develop doped polymers resistant to EMI, cosmic and laser radiation. Our materials are available as 3D-printable filaments, enabling rapid prototyping of components for drones, space systems and critical infrastructure.

Your inspiration

Our inspiration came from a conversation with satellite engineers. They described the complexity of preparing satellite enclosures and shielding each subsystem to ensure mission success. Key challenges included resistance to radiation, vibrations, and weight - up to 45% of a satellite’s mass is structure and housing. We decided to solve this problem for real. It quickly became clear that not only satellites but also drones and airborne systems face similar demands for EMI shielding and weight reduction.

How it works

Our technology utilises specially selected polymers as the base material, enriched with targeted additives, including metallic nanoparticles, metal oxide powders, alloy particles, and carbon nanostructures (e.g., nanotubes). This doped composite is extruded into a filament form, making it suitable for the rapid and efficient 3D printing of complex parts. To further enhance protection against laser radiation in the VIS-IR range (400 nm - 10 µm), printed surfaces can be coated with a thin reflective nanolayer that maximizes light scattering. As a result, we obtain a material resistant to electromagnetic interference across a broad spectrum (1-50 GHz), cosmic radiation, and high thermal stress, while maintaining mechanical properties that meet the strict standards of space and defence applications.

Design process

We are currently in the prototyping phase. Our design process began by identifying key challenges in the space and drone industries, especially in terms of material resistance to EMI, radiation, and weight. We reviewed scientific literature and analyzed ESA and NATO standards. With this foundation, we developed an initial concept for a composite material and consulted academic experts in advanced composites. We started with simulations to estimate shielding effectiveness and conductivity. We then created a “sandwich” prototype made from layered foils and doped materials to verify theoretical assumptions. We are currently developing 3D-printable filament and preparing samples for laboratory testing.

How it is different

Our solution stands out thanks to its compatibility with standard 3D printers, making prototyping and field repair more accessible and faster. Unlike conventional components made of metals, our composite material is significantly lighter, allowing for substantial weight reduction in satellite and drone platforms. At the same time, it provides resistance to electromagnetic interference (EMI) across a wide frequency range (1- 50 GHz), as well as protection from laser and cosmic radiation. This unique combination of properties delivers the lightweight nature of polymers with EMI shielding performance comparable to metals, offering a novel and practical alternative for space and defence applications.

Future plans

Our goal is to develop a comprehensive product, including 3D printing filament and a set of tools that support the production of housings and enclosures for satellite and drone systems, with features such as sample degassing and reflective layer deposition. We also plan to develop an AI model that, based on simulation, testing, and production data, will support the design of even more effective composite formulations tailored to specific environments and applications.

Awards