Developing a Roadmap for an On-Orbit Satellite Factory Concept
Jacob Rome, Matthew B. Obenchain, Christopher Hartney, Kelvin Chen, Arianna Villegas, Vinay K. Goyal, Jon Strizzi
Abstract
View Video Presentation: https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2023-2687.vid In ten years, it will be possible to have an autonomous and persistent small-satellite factory operating in low-earth orbit. This is enabled by advances in technologies over the past two decades: low-cost launch, additive manufacturing, robotics, and artificial intelligence. By developing a roadmap to achieve this end goal, it was possible to identify research topics and prioritize near-term low-cost research efforts. To facilitate the roadmap, an orbital satellite factory concept has been developed that combines proven orbital manufacturing techniques with other technologies that could be demonstrated on orbit within several years. The factory concept relies on robotics and specialized manufacturing tools to create satellite structures with integrated electronics and assembly of complicated parts. With the conceptual design complete, the research required to bring that concept (or one like it) to fruition becomes more evident. Recommended research topics and key milestones for the next five years are provided, from which a few are being pursued actively. Starting now is crucial since the time to progress from terrestrial development through demonstration in vacuum to orbital testing will take several years, and the efforts would be difficult to accelerate due to the nature of the research. The early steps have the lowest cost, yet they have the greatest impact in the development timescale. The next step will be the finalization of the roadmap, identification of research, and identification of parties across industry, government, and academia to help fund and pursue the research.