in-space manufacturing

ThinkOrbital designing platform for in-space manufacturing, debris removal
ThinkOrbital, a space infrastructure startup, is designing an orbital platform aimed at commercial businesses, military and government agencies that want to manufacture products in orbit or recycle debris.

U.S. Defense Innovation Unit selects Maxar to produce robotic arms for on-orbit servicing
Maxar Technologies won a $9.3 million Defense Department contract to design and deliver two in-space servicing robotic arms for the Defense Innovation Unit.

DARPA to launch DoD’s first in-space manufacturing research program
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency in a new program will explore options to conduct biomanufacturing in space, using biological systems like microbes to construct materials for use in orbital operations.

Varda Space selects SpaceX for launch of first space manufacturing satellite
Space manufacturing startup Varda Space will launch its first spacecraft on a Falcon 9 in early 2023 to demonstrate the ability to produce a wide range of materials in microgravity.

Kleos Space develops tool for in-space manufacturing of large structures
Kleos Space is conducting a six-month test of technology for in-space manufacturing of large 3D carbon fiber structures.

DARPA to survey private sector capabilities to build factories on the moon
DARPA is looking to develop materials, processes and designs needed for in-space manufacturing of large structures.

Space startup developing technology to detect hypersonic missiles
Rhea Space Activity and Lunar Resources pitched to the Air Force a concept to deploy two spacecraft to manufacture a large mirror in space.

Tethers Unlimited expands to fulfill additive manufacturing orders
Tethers Unlimited, one of three companies NASA selected Dec. 7 to build a prototype space-based 3-D printer called FabLab has grown dramatically in recent years due to interest among government and commercial customers in this type of work.