Emerging Space Technologies: Macro-scale On-orbit Manufacturing

McRobb, M. , Robb, B., Ridley, S. and McInnes, C. (2019) Emerging Space Technologies: Macro-scale On-orbit Manufacturing. In: 17th Reinventing Space Conference, Belfast, Northern Ireland, 12-14 Nov 2019,

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 faring 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.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Additional Information: This work is supported by a Royal Academy of Engineering Chair in Emerging Technologies.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Robb, Bonar and McRobb, Dr Malcolm and McInnes, Professor Colin
• Authors: McRobb, M., Robb, B., Ridley, S., and McInnes, C.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2019 British Interplanetary Society
• First Published: First published in 17th Reinventing Space Conference
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

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