In-Space Manufacturing

In-space manufacturing leverages the microgravity environment to produce materials and products impossible or impractical to make on Earth. The sector is in early commercial stages, with ZBLAN optical fiber and protein crystallization as the first commercially viable products.

Key Trends

• →ZBLAN fiber optics as first commercially viable microgravity product
• →Pharmaceutical manufacturing emerging as highest-value use case
• →Reentry capsules enabling return of manufactured goods to Earth
• →Commercial space stations providing manufacturing platforms post-ISS

Related Sectors