Emerging Space Technologies, Macro-Scale On-Orbit Manufacturing
£5.00
M. McRobb et al. (2019), JBIS, 72, pp.431-434
Refcode: 2019.72.431
Abstract:
Advanced additive manufacturing (AM) technologies have the potential to change the way in which satellites and spacecraft are deployed in orbit by removing traditional launch constraints, whether fairing volume or launch loads, and allowing space structures to become larger, lighter and more capable with integrated features. These same approaches may also be exploited for on-orbit servicing, thereby potentially extending the operable lifetime of space infrastructure and increasing cost effectiveness. This paper will provide an overview of the key issues associated with on-orbit manufacturing and discuss the use of AM technologies and investigate the next wave of emerging space technologies enabled by on-orbit manufacturing.