Published Papers and Patents
Space Manufacturing Module System and Method
A space based manufacturing system including a control module and a manufacturing module. The manufacturing module contains the tools required for automated processing of materials into finalized components. The control module allows command and control of the manufacturing module as well as communication with earth based systems. For component manufacture, the component requiring manufacture is identified in space, designed and engineered on earth, and manufactured in space using computer integrated manufacturing to tie these processes together. The astronaut in the control module monitors the safety of the manufacturing operation and may control manufacturing in real time.
Patent information
US 7988096 B2
Link to US patent
Link to Intl patent
Space Structure Construction Logistics
The integrated logistics support methodology is utilized in this construction process to build structures in space. This study describes a vision and methodology to enable mankind to develop means to manufacture in space. The specific area of manufacturing, in this study, addresses the fabrication of new components and replacement parts for emergency and repair refurbishment of satellites and spacecraft in-situ.
Link to paper
Modular Manufacturing: CIM in Space Application
This study describes a vision and methodology to enable mankind to develop means to manufacture in space. The specific area of manufacturing, in this study, addresses the fabrication of new components and replacement parts for emergency and repair refurbishment of satellites and spacecraft in-situ.
Link to paper