Game Changer: In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing for the New Space Economy

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Published Date

Synopsis

Technological progress in spacecraft life extension, debris removal, space operations autonomy, and robotics will disrupt the traditional paradigm of spacecraft design, acquisition, launch, operations, and maintenance. A new generation of spacecraft designed specifically for In-space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) is leading this charge towards a new space economy. Within the next few years, spacecraft refueling will be demonstrated and commercial fueling depots may emerge to enable increased on-orbit maneuverability and orbital anomaly recovery. There are many obstacles to overcome before an active, self-sustaining on-orbit economy is established, but recent demonstrations, developments, and investments in ISAM technologies will pave the path forward.

Authors: Alec J. Cavaciuti, Joseph H. Heying, and Joshua Davis