As access to space has become less expensive, companies are moving to create an in-orbit servicing and manufacturing industry. In-orbit servicing, repairing existing spacecraft and satellites, has been taking place for many years but as we move beyond low earth orbit advanced robotics will be used to carry out these tasks rather than astronauts.

Space offers certain conditions that make it more favourable to manufacturing than Earth. Near zero gravity, extreme cold temperatures and a complete vacuum means certain industries such as quantum computing, semiconductors and human organ growth have already demonstrated the benefits of being manufactured in space. We explore how close we are to seeing manufacturing industries existing in space and what barriers there currently are. 

In this episode, two experts from the Satellite Applications Catapult explain how they are working with a variety of companies in the in-orbit service and manufacturing sector to try and make the UK a world leader in this new frontier of space.

Guests

Mike Curtis-Rouse, Head of Access to Space, Satellite Applications Catapult

Jeremy Haddall, Robotics Development Lead, Satellite Applications Catapult

Resources

For more information on Satellite Applications Catapult, click here

For more information on the Westcott Innovation Centre, click here

To listen to Episode 55 ‘Saving Structures with Satellites’, click here

Partner The Satellite Applications Catapult is one of nine Catapults, uniquely established to transform the UK’s capability for innovation in specific areas and to help drive future economic growth. They work with companies of all sizes in the UK space sector to help with their business, access to infrastructure for testing and bringing their product to market.

The post #166 Space: The Robotic Age first appeared on Engineering Matters.