Space Infrastructure · 4

Manufacturing & Construction

Making and building in space — 3D printing, in-space assembly, servicing, and autonomous construction.

Additive ManufacturingManufacturing process
Operational
3D-printing parts and tools in orbit, layer by layer. A 3D printer has operated aboard the ISS since 2014, printing tools and spares on demand and pointing toward a future where spacecraft parts are made in space rather than launched.
Autonomous ConstructionManufacturing process
In development
Using robots to build and maintain infrastructure in space and on other worlds with little or no human presence — laying landing pads, assembling habitats, and constructing solar farms before crews arrive.
In-Space AssemblyManufacturing process
In development
Building large structures in space from parts, rather than folding a finished structure into a rocket fairing. In-space assembly would allow telescopes, antennas, and stations far larger than any launch vehicle could carry whole.
On-Orbit ServicingManufacturing process
Demonstrated
Repairing, refuelling, and upgrading spacecraft in orbit instead of discarding them — extending mission life and reducing debris. Robotic servicing missions have already docked with and relocated satellites.