The Telemetric Funk returns to the topic of space!
In this episode, I give a broad introduction to In-Space Manufacturing (ISM) for the complete beginner with a focus on the construction of large metal structures in orbit. This field is both very early in its lifetime, and also disruption-proof in the case that the Black Budget propulsion and energy generation technology become disclosed. As far as I know, this is the only comprehensive review of this topic in audio format on the internet.
Segment Timestamps
What is ISM? (00:00:00)
We define ISM vs. ISA vs. ISAM, give a short history of ISM so far, and look at some market and environmental cases for manufacturing.
Why do ISM? (00:21:19)
Here we discuss the benefits of ISM, and the different types of design constraints it solves: structural, volumetric, etc.
What to Build with ISM? (00:42:39)
A short commentary on Advanced Materials, Biotechnology, Microfabrication, and a deep dive into Space Structures.
How to do ISM? (01:05:31)
A short review of Additive Manufacturing categories, how they have been researched in space, some tradeoffs to consider, and a deeper focus on Metal Directed Energy Deposition.
What’s stopping us from doing ISM? (01:31:29)
A small dive into processing challenges of melt pools in microgravity, space environmental conditions, and the general technical and business roadblocks on the path.
The Enterprise of Iron Skies