In 2025, humanity will have its first floating factory in space. This advance, which will help improve research and missions, stems from an agreement between the companies Thales Alenia space i Space Cargo Unlimited.

The two companies will begin the first phase of design and production REV1which will be the first machine to make up the factory, which will have the ability to be reused for 20 missions and carry cargo into space for two to three months.

“This project will be essential to advance the technological capabilities of the European space industry, putting both companies at the forefront of the ‘new space’ economy through unprecedented space applications,” he said. Massimo Comparini, Deputy Executive Director and Director of Thales’ Observation, Exploration and Navigation Activities.

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A factory in space

The pressurized vehicle will be key to specific missions focused on biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and new materials.

The REV 1 It will have the ability to fit any available and compatible launch system, giving the vehicle the flexibility to perform missions primarily in equatorial orbit.

For factory production, Thales will be responsible for design, engineering and development, while Space Cargo Unlimited will be the owner and commercial operator of the vehicle. Something very similar to how it works in the air transport sector, where some are manufacturers and others are aircraft operators.

The company that owns the car will open an office Turin From where they will have the opportunity to inspect, maintain and repair future spacecraft, which they consider to be the “service center” of this sector of the space industry.

Was part of the company’s project to produce a fleet of autonomous trucks with the ability to re-enter Earth and have microgravity potential for commercial use.

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Factories in space

This project is not the only one of its kind. ThinkOrbital It is also working on a platform aimed at companies, military and government agencies that want to make products in orbit and recycle waste.

Silver can be used to create housing and military applications, as well as to turn waste into a re-product, saving companies money.

“We’re working on a hub and spoke concept where small satellites would go out and collect the debris, bring it back to a central location, process it, and we can turn it into fuel or take it out of orbit. said Lee Rosen, the startup’s co-founder, president and chief strategy officer.

The factories will be put into orbit in a single launch, feature self-assembly and have refueling capabilities. All this points to space tourism and research in the sector.

The company participated in the competition pot Developing commercial concepts in space, but not lost, and that is why they point to this project, which they see as “a new product that is more viable.”

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