In-Space Manufacturing: A Roadmap to the Future

Manufacturing in space can produce satellites, starships, and habitats at a lower cost than launching them to space. Additionally, manufacturing of spare parts can greatly reduce the risk of human exploration of space. This paper examines the technology development path towards in-space manufacturing, and uses the uncovered trends to support recommendations on the next steps. The previous efforts include developments in in-space servicing as many of the same technologies and processes are common to in-space manufacturing. The Hubble telescope validated the utility of servicing by extending the satellites lifespan and increasing its performance. Efforts to create a market for servicing will help generate interest in manufacturing in space. Towards manufacturing, the government is actively developing foundational technologies, such as the demonstration of a three dimensional printer on the International Space Station. Ground demonstrations show the promise in assembling large structures. Overall, there is sufficient evidence for the utility of in-space manufacturing. The government should use this to modify their acquisition policies to include serviceability and manufacturing on-orbit. This can reduce the cost and risk associated with modern satellite acquisitions, and move further down the path towards human exploration of space.