FACTORY IN SPACE: IDENTIFICATION OF ENABLERS AND BARRIERS

The new space economy has been characterized by increased extraterrestrial activities spearheaded by governments and, more recently, high-profile and innovative companies such as Space X. These innovative activities have inspired the push for novel digital and manufacturing technologies, which propose economically sustainable solutions and integration of more cost-effective components, that could be adapted for extraterrestrial activities. In this regard, the Factory in Space (FiS) concept has been introduced. FiS dictates the deployment of technology that combines manufacturing and assembly capabilities suitable for extraterrestrial exploration. This provides a sustainable and autonomous production source outside the Earth’s atmosphere, which promises several benefits, such as reducing the number of launches and associated costs. Traditionally, space activities have been constrained by launch-related factors that affect space systems’ cost, volume, and mass. Hence, FiS proposes to tackle the issues related to the transportation of large equipment and supplies during long-term space exploration where resupply from Earth cannot be relied upon. Furthermore, the scarcity or absence of raw materials and resources in isolated colonies, such as space stations, dictates the adoption of techniques that prolong the use of materials and goods, creating multiple product lifecycles. As space exploration expands its horizons, establishing a closed loop that reduces reliance on Earth for resupply and addresses ethical concerns regarding space waste generation and the preservation of extraterrestrial ecosystems is vital. This paper explores the enablers and barriers for the establishment of FiS. A literature review, together with the interview of experts, is used to identify and explain the factors that enable and inhibit the establishment of FiS. Factors such as cost reduction, in-situ material utilization, sustainability, and support for deep space exploration have been highlighted as drivers of FiS. Funding, logistics, and energy sources, among other factors, have been identified as the challenges of establishing FiS. Finally, recommendations on establishing FiS and related activities are proposed.