Materials processing in space - A strategy for commercializationMajor aerospace companies are talking about space factories manufacturing billions of dollars worth of high technology materials per year. On the other hand, a recent National Academy of Sciences study team saw little prospect for space manufacturing because, in their opinion, most of the disturbing effects of gravity in the processes they considered could be overcome on the ground for much less expenditure. This paper presents a current assessment of the problems and promises of the Materials Processing in Space Program and outlines a strategy for developing the first products of commercial value. These early products are expected to serve as paradigms of what can be accomplished by manufacturing in space and should stimulate industry to develop space manufacturing to whatever degree is economically justifiable.
Document ID
19780052806
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Naumann, R. J. (NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Space Sciences Laboratory, Huntsville, Ala., United States)