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starcraftre t1_iusj7x8 wrote

Reply to comment by bukbukbagok in NASA-funded, Redwire Space, wants to use 3D Printing and a robotic arm to print the components to construct large structures in orbit, and will demonstrate its tech in space in 2023. by lughnasadh

It's much closer to Tethers Unlimited's Spiderfab.

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whiskeynrye t1_iuszf4d wrote

Yep this is the closest other project. Though I would be remiss to not mention that Tethers is much farther behind compared to Redwire.

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starcraftre t1_iut91pq wrote

I can't tell. I was looking up Redwire's projects after seeing this post, and I can't find any kind of real information that compares to the Trusselator tests that TU was doing.

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whiskeynrye t1_iutntrv wrote

I can direct you to some great information if you want. They have already done extensive testing at various different NASA testing centers as well as simulated micro gravity setting testing.

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starcraftre t1_iuvu6qh wrote

That really doesn't support the claim that they're much farther ahead. TU did physical demonstrations of how they'll print structures using their Trusselator about 8 years ago, and have had their printing/recycling prototypes on the ISS for 4 years (launched on the S.S. John Young Cygnus flight). Actual microgravity testing, not just simulated.

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iamatooltoo t1_ivb7p55 wrote

https://redwirespace.com/newsroom/made-in-space-and-braskem-to-launch-first-commercial-recycling-facility-to-the-space-station/?rdws=nnn.xffxcv.tfd&rdwj=2066.

https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/tdm/osam-2.html.

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starcraftre t1_ivck5x5 wrote

"Commercially-developed" being the key words. As I pointed out, TU's recycler has been up there for years, but it was developed as part of a NASA project.

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iamatooltoo t1_ivfr72w wrote

Redwire had the first 3d printer on iss 2014, they are on 3rd gen. The recycler TU was first, but taken over by a better redwire recycler. The YU recycler is being retired, see https://youtu.be/UFoAoQAO_aE. Side note osam2 is first 2024. osam1 is no earlier than 2025.

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