Additive Manufacturing for On Earth, In Orbit and On Planet Space Applications

Advanced Manufacturing is a European Space Agency cross-cutting initiative which aims to capture new opportunities for manufacturing, materials, and related processes, thus creating a competitive advantage for the European Space Industry in the global market. The initiative has identified numerous activities which are aimed at revitalising the European industry leadership in advanced manufacturing for space applications. This is targeted at design freedom, performance improvement, cost reduction and lead time reduction (from concept to manufacturing).

One of the key technology pillars of the advanced manufacturing programme is Additive Manufacturing (AM). The AM process allows a significant degree of freedom in the design of 3D objects that is very well suited for space applications. A large number of activities have been funded within ESA with the twin objective of developing and industrialising the process. In this presentation, the key parts of the process will be addressed including the procurement of feedstock, design of parts, printing and post processing, non destructive inspection and testing. This will be illustrated with a number of examples and through the manufacturing and testing of demonstrator parts. Examples will also be given on activities related to in orbit and on planet manufacturing.