The new opportunities provided by space exploration are real incentives for the satellites business and for all companies that ambition to make sightseeing trip in space and stay in orbit longer a routine activity.
To get there, space organizations across the world are currently involved in different programs and projects that will assess the capabilities of different systems and technologies to fit life in space. There are obviously several challenges that AM technologies can address hence the interest of technologies providers in this field. Those challenges include but are not limited to logistic issues, on-site small batch production, and waste issues after production.
One of the programs that will address some of these challenges is the “Start-up Support Programme” (SSP), a worldwide program launched by ESRIC dedicated to Technology and Commercial projects in the area of space resource utilization. (ESRIC is the European Space Resources Innovation Centre). SSP’s goal is to develop the space resources ecosystem by providing a platform for entrepreneurs with business ideas targeting terrestrial and space applications.
Following the initial call for applications in 2021, 33 start-ups have applied from 17 countries around the world. Only five met the tough criteria for the programme. The business incubator selected teams with a clear focus on strategic thinking and goal-setting and a proven expertise in developing innovative and reliable technologies in terrestrial and space industry markets.
Amid the 3D printing companies that have been selected for this programme, there is composite fiber 3D printing technology expert Anisoprint. The company headquartered in Luxembourg will adjust composite fiber 3D printing for close-to-zero gravity conditions. To this end, the Anisoprint team will develop equipment allowing 3D printing of tools, components, repair parts and structural elements made of composite materials in conditions of weightlessness and low gravity. The company’s project will support the development, extraction and use of space resources.
Fedor Antonov, Anisoprint CEO comments: “Space is a huge opportunity and an exciting challenge, and ultimately space exploration is the frontier of engineering progress. In-space manufacturing, in-orbit manufacturing were always my biggest endeavors. The Luxembourg government has designated spacetech as one of its top development priorities, and we are thrilled to have a chance to contribute to that under the ESRIC initiative.”
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