Made In Space to build satellites that can build themselves

Satellites have always been built on earth, put on board a rocket and launched into space to carry out their functions. Constructing a satellite is no small feat, as it requires some of the most advanced and customized materials, in addition to top-notch engineering to survive the rigors of launch and the harsh, unforgiving environment in space. But a company named Made In Space could change all that. It has envisioned a grandiose plan to launch a one-of-a-kind satellite that can construct satellites in space.

Made In Space specializes in building 3D printers for space and has already supplied them for use on the International Space Station (ISS). The biggest advantage of carrying out construction in space is the cost-efficiency. Satellites built here on earth are built keeping in mind the crushing forces produced during the launch. Designers and engineers have to be careful when they consider all the parameters that affect a satellite launch. Physical factors like weight, strength, durability, resilience, and functionality have a major impact on the survivability of the satellite during and after launch.

However, when satellites can be directly constructed in space, it would greatly save up on costs and free the scientists and engineers from the many constraints that shackle them when building satellites to be launched from earth. The revolutionary 3D printing satellite from Made In Space is christened Archinaut One and would be launched in 2022.

If successful, it would usher in a new era of space exploration and revolutionize the space industry.