Glasgow Lab to Test Space-Bound 3D-Printed Materials for Safety

The NextSpace Testrig, created by Dr. Gilles Bailet in collaboration with The Manufacturing Technology Centre, is supported by Pounds 253,000 in funding from the UK Space Agency (UKSA). This unique laboratory can replicate the harsh conditions of space, including extreme temperature ranges from -150 C to +250 C, using a specially constructed vacuum chamber.

This facility aims to support the growing field of space manufacturing, which seeks to reduce the need for transporting bulky structures into orbit by producing components directly in space. Instead of launching complete devices like solar reflectors, specialized 3D printers could fabricate them in orbit, significantly cutting costs.

However, materials 3D printed in space must withstand the intense physical stresses of the orbital environment, including rapid thermal cycling and the vacuum of space, which can exacerbate flaws such as microscopic bubbles or weakly bonded sections. These imperfections, harmless on Earth, can cause catastrophic failures in space, potentially creating dangerous debris.

"3D printing offers a compelling way to build complex structures in space, from communication antennas to spacecraft parts," said Dr. Bailet. "But this potential also comes with significant risk. In orbit, objects travel at extreme speeds, and a single fragment from a poorly manufactured part can behave like a rifle bullet, posing a serious threat to satellites and spacecraft."

The NextSpace Testrig is designed to ensure that polymers, ceramics, and metals printed in space are robust enough to endure these conditions. Its innovative design includes an automated magazine system capable of testing multiple samples in a single cycle, applying up to 20 kilonewtons of force (equivalent to 2,000 kilograms) to simulate the stresses of space.

This facility is also expected to provide critical data to regulators, aiding in the creation of safety standards for in-space manufacturing. Dr. Bailet noted that this data, which is currently unavailable elsewhere, will be essential for ensuring the safety and sustainability of future space missions.

The project, part of the UK Space Agency's Enabling Technology Programme, reflects Glasgow's growing status as a global hub for space technology. The city is already known for manufacturing more satellites than any other location outside the US west coast.

Iain Hughes, Head of the National Space Innovation Programme at the UK Space Agency, said, "We are proud to have supported the University of Glasgow in developing the world's first facility for testing 3D-printed materials in space-like conditions. This innovation will help to drive UK advancements in space manufacturing, unlocking numerous benefits and meeting the government's growth ambitions while ensuring safe and sustainable space use."