Created: 2018-11-07
Updated: 2024-03-09
Product/Service - Refabricator, SpiderFab, LEO Knight
- Classification
- In-Space Manufacturing
- Category
- In-Space Manufacturing
On-Orbit Servicing
In-Space Assembly
In-Space Communications Relay
Robotic Arm
- Fields
- Material Recycling
Large Space Structures
In-Space Internet
- Status
- Cancelled, Launched, Acquired
- First launch
- 2018
Tethers Unlimited
Refabricator
Demonstrate in-space recycling and manufacturing to support long-duration manned space missions.
Payload called the Refabricator™ combines a plastic recycling system with a 3D printer to enable astronauts to recycle plastic waste into high-quality 3D printer filament, and then use that filament to fabricate new parts, medical implements, food utensils, and other items that the astronauts need to maintain their spacecraft and perform their missions.
ERASMUS Phase II SBIR
ERASMUS is the next-generation integrated 3D Printer/Recycler/Sterilizer for closed-loop recycling during space missions and will result in the first-generation Exploration recycling/sterilization system. Made possible through SBIR awards to TUI, ERASMUS builds on the lessons learned from the TUI-developed Refabricator, while also incorporating the additional capability of sterilization. ERASMUS integrates a plastics recycler, dry heat sterilizer, and 3D printer to create a system that accepts previously-used plastic waste and parts, sterilizes these used materials, recycles them into food-grade and medical-grade 3D printer filament, and 3D prints new plastic implements, including those that are food and medical safe.
SpiderFab
Developing a suite of technologies called "SpiderFab" to enable on-orbit fabrication of large spacecraft components such as antennas, solar panels, trusses, and other multifunctional structures. This includes Trusselator to create lengthy carbon composite structures and OrbWeaver to create satellite antenna.
KRAKEN
In-Space Servicing
In-Space Manufacturing
In-Space Assembly
In-Space Networking
Status Comment / Notes
ARKA's website only lists robotic arms as of early 2024. Created a new entry for ARKA and marking this "Cancelled" for most of Tethers Unlimited activities.