In-space Manufacturing
As humans look to expand and explore through space, we are looking to build technology and systems that will allow us to explore, travel further and commercialize space. While we look achieve this, one large hinderance today remains that all space objects, crafts and parts today have to be built and manufactured on Earth and then sent to space for use. If we are to truly push space commercialization and exploration, it is necessary to develop capabilities that will allow us to remain and build in space for space. Economics and sustainability of space travel will need space based manufacturing and tooling. Infact, the vastly different conditions in space (zero gravity of course!) may actually make manufacturing of certain good easier than on earth! Manufacturing in microgravity and in manufacturing environments with unique gaseous compositions should improve the manufacturing of metal alloys, for instance, as elements can combine more consistently and efficiently to yield superior products with novel structures and properties.
Once in-space manufacturing is firmly established, it will usher in a new paradigm in
how the logistics of space travel are carried out, as the elimination of payload fairing constraints and easing of launch requirements will enable structures optimized for their operational environment.
Infact Airbus recently announced that metal-crafting 3D printer to the International Space Station next year in its plan up on an orbital satellite factory. The printer, called Metal3D, will be able to work with metals that melt at temperatures of up to 1,200 degrees Celsius and will be the first metal 3D printer at the International space station. As it progresses, the company also plans to also use lunar soil and recycle parts from old satellites in its vision to setup an orbital satellite factory.
