Abstract of the Offer
Developed in the UK by Photocentric Ltd, CosmicMaker is an autonomous, multi-material 3D printing system for in-orbit manufacturing of polymers, ceramics, and potentially metals. It enables on-demand production of spare parts, tools, and components in microgravity. Advantages include energy efficiency, compact sealed-vat design, and multi-material flexibility. Seeking partnerships for demonstration, joint development, and market adoption.
Description
The technology is an autonomous, multi-material 3D printing system designed for use in microgravity environments. It performs the functions of producing hardware, assembling components, modifying or processing parts, and enabling repair or replacement of mission-critical items during space operations.
The system uses a sealed resin vat and stereolithographic curing process to create parts from photopolymers, ceramic-filled resins (e.g. silicon carbide), and potentially metal-filled formulations. Printing is guided by onboard autonomy, sensors, and environmental controls, allowing operation without constant crew intervention.
The enabling technical concept is based on layer-by-layer curing using light projection through an LCD mask. Its compact form factor is compatible with in-orbit deployment, including on the International Space Station, commercial space stations, and small orbital platforms.
Potential applications include the production of spare parts, brackets, clamps, enclosures, tools, experimental fixtures, shielding components, and prototypes directly in orbit. Beyond space, the system has crossover potential in defence, aerospace, maritime, and remote terrestrial environments where localised manufacturing reduces logistics dependency.
Advantages and Innovations
Multi-material capability: Processes photopolymers, ceramic-filled resins (e.g. silicon carbide), and potentially metal-filled formulations within one platform, supporting a wide range of functional and structural parts.
Sealed-vat design: Reduces contamination risk, simplifies material handling in microgravity, and eliminates the need for complex powder management systems.
Energy efficiency: Light-based curing consumes significantly less power than powder-bed fusion or extrusion processes, making it better suited to constrained orbital power budgets.
Compact form factor: Smaller footprint and lower mass than powder-based systems, enabling integration into limited space station or satellite payload bays.
Operational autonomy: Embedded sensing and control allow extended unattended operation, reducing crew time and enabling printing during non-contact periods.
Reduced logistics dependency: On-demand part production in orbit mitigates the need for storing large inventories of spares, potentially lowering launch mass and costs.
Adaptability: Potential for use in terrestrial remote or hazardous environments (defence outposts, offshore platforms, Antarctic stations) where resupply is limited.
The system is currently at TRL 4 for space applications, having demonstrated printing in relevant laboratory conditions, including simulated microgravity via ground-based platforms.
Operational limits:
- Printing volume constrained by compact system dimensions to suit orbital integration (currently up to small/medium-sized components).
- Printing materials limited to photopolymers and resin composites with viscosity and curing properties compatible with the LCD-based light engine.
- Requires stable environmental control for vibration to ensure print integrity in microgravity.
- Build rates dependent on material, layer thickness and curing parameters; optimised for functional part production rather than mass throughput.
Compliance:
- Designed to meet ESA/ISS material compatibility standards for off-gassing and flammability.
- Resin containment and sealed-vat design aligned with microgravity safety protocols for liquid handling.
- Electrical systems intended for compliance with ECSS and relevant spacecraft integration standards.