In-Space Manufacturing Experiment - Purdue 1 - Purdue University

The autonomous research micro-lab (rack), PRISM, for S&T of in-space manufacturing (ISM) experiment. It is a progression of the work of Ajay Malshe, director of Purdue’s Center for In-Space Manufacturing (CISM), and his team of engineers, and graduate and undergraduate students in collaboration with industries and government. Experiments will test key aspects for semiconductor and electronics manufacturing in space. For example: 1) the use of laser-assisted techniques to provide a compact, localized energy source for semiconductor and metal manufacturing; 2) materials analysis during phase transformation; and 3) the role of digital tools in ISM autonomy.

ISM involves creating the necessary infrastructure to efficiently supply future missions off planet. Research focuses on in-space operations and innovative technologies to eliminate the need for repeated maintenance and resupply missions. In addition, manufacturing semiconductor and electronic device technologies is supported by extreme conditions such as microgravity and more.

This autonomous experiment represents a paradigm shift in how we build beyond Earth by moving away from the massive, energy-intensive and gravity-centric manufacturing processes of Earth-bound industry, which are fundamentally unsuited for the constraints of spacecraft or factories in space at orbital depots. Purdue is pioneering a lean, scalable future for extraterrestrial commerce and secure, dynamic in-space operation.

CONTACT TANYA FINKBINER AT TJFINKBINER@PURDUEFORLIFE.ORG OR 765-585-7602 TO LEARN MORE