Start Date

4-1969 8:00 AM

Description

This paper describes a proposed program by the Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory of the Marshall Space Flight Center that outlines an approach which would provide a capability for manufacturing in space.

The initial phase will initiate an investigation of the effect of zero gravity on manufacturing processes during earth orbit flight. A work package is described which is currently being prepared to fly with Apollo Applications Program Orbital Workshop (OW) Flight #2. It will consist of a Space Manufacturing Process Chamber integral with an electron beam heat source. The chamber is attached to the inside wall of the (OW)'s Multiple Docking Adapter. Several process investigation experiment modules are described which can alternately be inserted into the chamber.

As a second phase, an improved Space Manufacturing Process Chamber is being planned. It will be larger and more versatile than the first Space Manufacturing Process Chamber. It will be designed to accept larger work modules and will provide several types of energy sources plus a cooling capability. The second Space Manufacturing Process Chamber may be integrated into the hardware for a potential backup flight to Apollo Applications Program Flight #2.

A third phase proposes the development of a room size manufacturing module which would be designed to dock to an earth orbiting space station proposed for launch in the rnid- 1970's. This module would contain work area for at least two astronauts, facilities, raw materials, and manufacturing process chambers. This large module would provide for a continuing effort on manufacturing process investigations and for the production of small quantities of specialized items that can best be produced in the unique environment of zero gravity. These products would be returned to earth for evaluation and use in specialized industrial, medical, or Government applications,

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Apr 1st, 8:00 AM

Space Manufacturing Modules

This paper describes a proposed program by the Manufacturing Engineering Laboratory of the Marshall Space Flight Center that outlines an approach which would provide a capability for manufacturing in space.

The initial phase will initiate an investigation of the effect of zero gravity on manufacturing processes during earth orbit flight. A work package is described which is currently being prepared to fly with Apollo Applications Program Orbital Workshop (OW) Flight #2. It will consist of a Space Manufacturing Process Chamber integral with an electron beam heat source. The chamber is attached to the inside wall of the (OW)'s Multiple Docking Adapter. Several process investigation experiment modules are described which can alternately be inserted into the chamber.

As a second phase, an improved Space Manufacturing Process Chamber is being planned. It will be larger and more versatile than the first Space Manufacturing Process Chamber. It will be designed to accept larger work modules and will provide several types of energy sources plus a cooling capability. The second Space Manufacturing Process Chamber may be integrated into the hardware for a potential backup flight to Apollo Applications Program Flight #2.

A third phase proposes the development of a room size manufacturing module which would be designed to dock to an earth orbiting space station proposed for launch in the rnid- 1970's. This module would contain work area for at least two astronauts, facilities, raw materials, and manufacturing process chambers. This large module would provide for a continuing effort on manufacturing process investigations and for the production of small quantities of specialized items that can best be produced in the unique environment of zero gravity. These products would be returned to earth for evaluation and use in specialized industrial, medical, or Government applications,

 

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