Made In Space wins $73 million contract from NASA to test its system

Space is touted to be a rapidly emerging market where numerous rocket companies are vying for ever larger contracts from space agencies. While most of these corporations focus on launch platforms or rockets, a company named Made In Space, specializing in manufacturing 3D printers for space has just bagged a lucrative contract of $73 million to demonstrate a one-of-a-kind technology that if successful, could save several launches in future.

The mission is called Archinaut One and is planned for launch by 2022 on board an Electron Launch vehicle made by Rocket Labs. After reaching orbit, the Archinaut One would extend two 32 foot long beams with solar arrays attached to them. Later on, a robotic arm would make all adjustments to lock them in place and carry out routine maintenance.         

Equipment in space has to be launched on board rockets and assembled there. Since some of the instruments might be too big, they sometimes need to be carried in multiple rockets, increasing the number of launches. However, with Made In Space’s systems, instruments can be printed and then assembled in space, thereby reducing cost and greatly improving the logistics. Thus, instead of ferrying entire complex instruments and their corresponding components to space, Made In Space’s ambitious platform could enable the launch of only the materials required, with 3D printing and assembly happening in space.