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starcraftre t1_iuvu6qh wrote

Reply to comment by whiskeynrye 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

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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