Fabrication methods for construction from lunar materialsCost-driving parameters of space industrialization are discussed, specifically cost of transportation from earth to low earth orbit and productivity of labor in space. A design procedure for a space manufacturing facility (SMF) is outlined, and the design of a reference SMF is described. This SMF receives lunar materials and converts them to components of space structures such as solar power satellites. The effect of machine reliability is discussed. The SMF appears versatile and productive, and the space environment has some beneficial characteristics which may simplify manufacturing processes. Technology demonstration programs are needed, but prototypes of SMF equipment can be small devices.
Document ID
19790069291
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Miller, R. H. (Massachusetts Inst. of Tech. Cambridge, MA, United States)
Smith, D. B. S. (MIT Cambridge, Mass., United States)