Archinaut Project to 3D-Print Spacecraft in Orbit

As per NASA’s plans, the next big structure to be occupied by humans in space will be the station that is to be assembled above the Moon. Having the capability of making at least some of the station’s components on-site could prove crucial to its success.

In 2022, NASA will put theory to the test. That year, a Rocket Lab Electron rocket will take off from New Zealand carrying with it the Archinaut One.

Archinaut is the first-ever platform designed to manufacture space structures in space. Not only assemble, but manufacture.

In essence, the process works a bit like this: first, the raw materials needed for the build are sent to orbit the old fashion way, using rockets. The Archinaut platform then receives the blueprints of what it needs to make and begins 3D-printing the components. Once their done, the platform begins to assemble them. All these steps are controlled remotely.

You can watch how the process is supposed to work in the videos attached below.

For the 2020 test, NASA and its commercial partners (Made in Space, Northrop Grumman) will attempt to manufacture in orbit two 10-meter solar arrays needed to power a small satellite. Further down the line other, more complex components could be assembled: communications antennae, telescopes and, who knows, maybe one day a full-scale spaceship.

“In-space robotic manufacturing and assembly are unquestionable game-changers and fundamental capabilities for future space exploration,” said in a statement Jim Reuter, associate administrator of NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate.

“By taking the lead in the development of this transformative technology, the United States will maintain its leadership in space exploration as we push forward with astronauts to the Moon and then on to Mars.”