Glasgow researcher patents groundbreaking technology for on-demand space construction
- Dr Gilles Bailet has developed a 3D printing system for on-demand construction in space.
- The technology was tested in a zero-gravity environment as part of the European Space Agency's flight campaign.
- This innovation could foster a sustainable approach to space exploration and reduce dependence on Earth-sent materials.
In recent months, Dr Gilles Bailet from the University of Glasgow has made significant strides in on-board manufacturing technology for spacecraft. He has been awarded a patent for a novel system that can conduct construction tasks on-demand during space flights, building on research that has gained momentum since the first 3D printer was sent to the International Space Station in 2014. This breakthrough could change the landscape of space exploration as it enables manufacturing directly in space, rather than relying on materials sent from Earth, which is often costly and creates sustainability issues. Testing of this technology was conducted in November 2023 at the Bordeaux facility of Novespace, as part of the 85th European Space Agency parabolic flight campaign. Three flights provided over 90 weightless periods, allowing the team to observe the prototype printer's performance in a microgravity environment. Dr Bailet’s approach utilizes granular materials for 3D printing, which distinguishes it from standard filament-based methods employed on Earth. His achievements have the potential to promote sustainability in space exploration and offer solutions for recycling materials in orbit, contributing to a circular economy in space. The implications of this technology extend far beyond simple construction; it opens pathways for the production of more robust equipment and tools, essential for future missions exploring the solar system. So far, on Earth produced products can be less resilient in space’s harsh vacuum conditions. Moreover, enhancements to embedded electronics into printed materials are also being researched by Dr Bailet’s team, aiming to enhance functionality in manufactured products. This effort addresses current limitations wherein structures sent from Earth face mechanical stresses during launch, risking damage. As they plan to conduct the first in-space demonstration of their technology, they envision creating components that improve spacecraft operations, such as solar reflectors, communication antennas, and even medical facilities capable of producing advanced pharmaceuticals in space. Dr Bailet's forward-thinking vision advocates for localized manufacturing to meet the demands of increasing activity in space as more launches are underway. This innovation challenges existing paradigms that necessitate shipping materials from Earth, thereby reducing rockets' tightly confined volumes and weights during launches. In conclusion, Dr Bailet and his colleagues' work signifies a leap toward a more sustainable approach in space exploration, with potential ramifications for how industries might operate beyond our planet in the future.