| Abstract Scope |
With the de-orbiting of the International Space Station in 2030, there are plans for several commercial low-earth orbit (LEO) space stations where new materials and manufacturing technologies can be developed and commercialized. Starlab is one such space station, with partners in Europe, Japan and Canada. Starlab is supported by the George Washington Carver Science Park at The Ohio State University where a pipeline of commercial enterprises for Starlab will be developed. Already, >10 companies have committed to joining the Carver Park. Several of the companies are developing new materials and manufacturing technologies. In-space manufacturing is commercially viable if we can create new materials or modify existing materials with properties that cannot be manufactured on earth. Also, there is commercial value in building structures too big to be launched and new ways to sustain life in LEO and beyond. This presentation will summarize the state of such commercial materials/manufacturing in LEO. |