How This Next Generation Satellite Will 3D Print Itself in Space

Made In Space is building a satellite that can 3D print itself in space. If successful, their satellite could revolutionize how we design future spacecraft.

Archinaut One is just a test, but if it’s successful, it could completely change the way we build satellites in space. Imagine what that type of technology could do for future lunar habitats like NASA's Gateway outpost or conceptual technology that has never been feasible to fly to space like star shades or space interferometers.

And having on orbit 3D printing capabilities lessens the need for heavy payloads and allows astronauts to print their own tools because, as we venture out beyond low-Earth orbit, there’ll be a lot of things we’ll need along for the trip. And on top of that, Archinaut One could also be capable of repairing and building upon existing structures, which could help reduce the need for astronaut spacewalks, which could be dangerous.

So let’s just say Archinaut One is going to have its hands full once it launches. But we still have a while to go before we see the satellite take to the skies. Right now, Archinaut One is expected to launch in early 2023. And when it does, it could reshape how we build and live in space.

#3dprinting #ArchinautOne #nasa #space #seeker #science #elements

Read More:
OSAM-2
"As NASA’s Artemis program prepares to return explorers to the Moon by 2024 and establish sustainable missions there by 2028 – a prelude to crewed Mars missions to come – NASA seeks to develop an expansive, robust space infrastructure and conduct remote, in-space manufacturing and construction."

NASA Funds Demo of 3D-Printed Spacecraft Parts Made, Assembled in Orbit
"NASA has awarded a $73.7 million contract to Made In Space, Inc. of Mountain View, California, to demonstrate the ability of a small spacecraft, called Archinaut One, to manufacture and assemble spacecraft components in low-Earth orbit. "

Archinaut, a Construction Robot for Space, Could Launch a Test Flight in 2022
"Off-Earth manufacturing is set to take a giant leap a few years from now. NASA has awarded California startup Made In Space $73.7 million to give the company's "Archinaut" spacecraft-assembly technology an orbital test."
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Countdown to Launch takes a deep dive into upcoming space missions from around the world. We interview the people involved and explore the science, innovation and technology that makes them possible.

Seeker empowers the curious to understand the science shaping our world. We tell award-winning stories about the natural forces and groundbreaking innovations that impact our lives, our planet, and our universe.

[Seeker]

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[benjaminlamptey]

How is OSAM-2 more of a mouthful than Archonaut-1? Just say "Oh Sam two" lol

[KyleDB]

people have been imagining self-assembling orbital structures for like 70 years, I'm glad we'll finally see the first step toward that!

[tyrannuslapis]

Now if only we could manufacture the printing materials in space.

[psychopass]

It doesn’t reduce the heavy payloads, it’s still the same mass. But it’s a lot less bulkier.

[stefanolacchin]

This thing has Dyson Swarm written all over it.

[hypercoder]

00:28 "no one has printed in space"
00:45 "since 2014 they sent multiple 3d printers to space"

[lulo]

When we almost have made in space products and some people still think earth is flat

[juddotto]

I think Futurama had an episode where Bender could replicate himself too

[ThinkerYT]

What if we send a tiny 3d printer to print a bigger 3d printer which prints the printer that prints a satellite?

[housemunyi]

Von Neumann devices are outlawed everywhere, that's why there's an embargo on this solar system!

[PuudingMusic]

Me: sees video title
Also me: Say what now?

[TheFuturistTom]

I love Seeker! They inspired my sci-fi/futurist channel!!

[yurirodrigues]

That's STELARIS first step to the conquer of the galaxy! An orbital assembler!

[vj.joseph]

That's highly essential for moon and mars space missions and journeys further out. I have seen a 3D printer working in my college and it is fascinating.

[ssjarmon]

Nice. Lobe it when reality catches up with science fiction. In the 90s Deep space 9 had self replicating mines they blocked the wormhole with.

[mstrnobody]

That could be used for debris catching systems! It would enable systems with a lot more volume. Sounds amazing

[DaBlondDude]

True, I hadn't thought of it but they really don't need to build it solidly enough to land again which frees up a huge allotment in size and weight, all.of which can be swapped with plastic, metal and crystal needed to print/build in space.
Since a huge impediment to life on Mars is the time and resources necessary to get help or supplies sent, it'd be priceless to know you can just print the tools, parts and maybe even food that you need.

[igkslife]

The beginnings of orbital factories. Nice.

One small step for orbital manufacturing, one giant leep for building the first orbital ship yards.

[trulyinfamous]

I guess being in microgravity means the parts printed can be even thinner and use less material as they don't need to survive launch. Pretty cool.