Starlab - George Washington Carver Science Park

Materials and Manufacturing in Low-Earth Orbit

Developing manufacturing technology in space is crucial for establishing sustainable habitation and exploration beyond Earth.

Materials and manufacturing in space involve the advancement of traditional and novel fabrication and construction processes in space such as additive manufacturing, materials forming, joining, and heat treatment. Adapting manufacturing techniques for space conditions is essential for assembling and repairing spacecraft and constructing habitats and infrastructure, necessitating innovative approaches to address the absence of gravity and the presence of vacuum.

Studying material behavior in microgravity and extreme space conditions informs the selection and optimization of materials for space construction, enhancing the durability and efficiency of space structures. These advancements contribute to the safety and success of long-term space exploration missions, making them crucial for sustainable human presence beyond Earth. Overall, the development of manufacturing technology and materials science in space is integral to unlocking the potential for extended missions and future space colonies, marking a significant step towards realizing the vision of sustained habitation and exploration in LEO. 

Three goals for Materials and Manufacturing in Space

1 Materials Research

An aspect of manufacturing in LEO is the use of microgravity and radiation to create new or traditional materials with properties that cannot, or are difficult to, be produced in gravity. Since any such material must have an intrinsic value that justifies launch, manufacture, and return to earth; candidates include alloys and semiconductors. The added value of unique devices built on traditional substrates might be sufficient to justify such experimentation.

2 Manufacturing Research

To build infrastructure in space, we need to adapt traditional manufacturing processes on Earth, such as additive, subtractive, joining, and forming, and develop novel methods for space. These processes need to tackle or utilize the absence of gravity and the presence of a vacuum. The ability to manufacture components will support deep-space missions to the Moon and Mars and create opportunities to fabricate parts that are typically difficult on Earth. 

3 Robotics Research

Robotics, of all levels of autonomy, plays a critical role in cost-effective materials and manufacturing and exploration in a harsh environment. The use of robotics is necessary for fabricating parts in space for use on-site or to be returned to Earth. They are required to construct infrastructure, with little to no input, that supports human presence in LEO and beyond. It is an extension of ourselves to operate in dangerous environments to expand and explore our solar system and beyond. 

Highlighted Manufacturing Centers

Related Faculty in the Field

Michael Mills
Chair
Materials Science and Engineering
Michael Mills smiling and wearing a suit
Steve Ringel
Executive Director
Institute for Materials and Manufacturing Research
Steve Ringel smiling and wearing a suit
Jay Sayre
Director of Innovation
Institute for Materials and Manufacturing Research
Jay Sayre smiling and wearing a blue shirt