In-Space Manufacturing
Making and assembling things in space — 3D-printing parts on a station, building large structures on orbit, and servicing spacecraft — rather than launching everything fully formed inside a rocket fairing.
In brief
Manufacturing, assembling, and servicing in space.
In this domain
- Additive ManufacturingManufacturing processOperational
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 processIn 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 processIn 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 processDemonstrated
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.
Knowledge connections
- Group includesAdditive Manufacturing
- Group includesIn-Space Assembly
- Group includesOn-Orbit Servicing
- Group includesAutonomous Construction
Sources
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.
Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.