Factory in space: A review of material and manufacturing technologies

Abstract

The emergence of the new space economy, driven by national space agencies' efforts to reduce costs and promote independent commercial space stations, has led to the rise of private entities such as SpaceX, RedWire, and Blue Origin. This shift, coupled with the anticipated withdrawal of government bodies and the development of smaller, cost-effective commercial space stations, is expected to lead to changes in the design, manufacturing, and logistics of space infrastructure. Currently, the characteristics of space structures are inherently limited by launch constraints, affecting mass, volume, and costs. To address these challenges, the concept of Factory in Space (FIS) has been introduced, significantly impacting space exploration by enabling direct servicing, manufacturing, and assembly of space systems in orbit, thereby circumventing launch limitations. This paper provides an overview of current research and development efforts regarding the various technologies and materials explored for FIS applications, with an emphasis on manufacturing and related technologies. The concept of a closed-loop factory reinforces the crucial role of in-situ material utilization (ISMU), and Additive Manufacturing (AM) is identified as particularly advantageous due to its speed, flexibility, and customizability, offering clear benefits over traditional manufacturing methods. Lastly, the paper identifies areas for further research to advance the potential of FIS, highlighting significant progress in in-space manufacturing.