In-Space Assembly and Manufacturing of Spacecraft for Science and Human Exploration

摘要

On-orbit assembly and manufacture of spacecraft represents a new approach that may offer significant benefits for a number of different space missions. In this paper, we focus on the potential benefits to space science and exploration missions in terms of both science return and cost. For example, very large telescopes that could not be launched in one piece from Earth can be assembled on-orbit. Evolution of such a telescope over multiple budget cycles could also reduce cost. Similarly, for Earth science, assembly of multiple payloads onto a persistent platform offers opportunities for updating instrumentation and reducing cost through fewer launches. Planetary science and heliophysics missions could also derive benefit from on-orbit assembly. Human exploration missions could benefit from the on-demand generation of spare parts and tools through in-space manufacturing, for example using 3D printing in space. Printing structures from feedstock obtained through in situ resource utilization, and then assembling the parts into structures, could enable planetary exploration.