Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

whiskeynrye t1_iuszf4d wrote

Reply to comment by starcraftre 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

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

3

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.

3

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.

3

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.

2

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.

2

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.

1

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.

1