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SMARTER
SMARTER: Space Manufacturing, Assembly and Repair Technology Exploration and Realisation.
Manufacturing in space has the potential to positively affect human spaceflight operations by enabling the in-orbit manufacture of replacement parts and tools, which could reduce existing logistics requirements for the International Space Station (ISS) and future long-duration human space missions. In-space manufacturing could enable space-based construction of large structures and, perhaps someday, in the future, entire spacecraft. In-space manufacturing can also help to reimagine a new space architecture that is not constrained by the design and manufacturing confines of gravity, current manufacturing processes, and launch-related structural stresses.
The SMARTER project investigated the technical feasibility of intelligent automated reconfigurable systems for manufacturing, assembly and repair operations in space.
PROJECT PARTNERS
FUNDING
Project Ref: IUK 104057
DELIVERABLES
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Build on the results of the EPSRC Evolvable Assembly Systems project concepts.
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Feasibility study around the application of the EAS “digital approach” to in-space manufacturing.
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Conduct a study on the conceptual approach, context awareness, and manufacturing system integration.
METHODOLOGY
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Work with the consortium to develop use cases and products for manufacture and repair in space.
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Capture requirements, identify suitable technologies and assess limitations.
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Design concepts for a future physical manufacturing system in space.
KEY INNOVATIONS
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Requirements for utilisation of manufacturing processes in space.
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A conceptual framework and reference architecture.
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Detailed design concepts for an integrated intelligent manufacturing system deployable in space.
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A manufacturing system integration plan to support realisation.