Made In Space, Inc. (MIS) really shook up space manufacturing back in 2014. They became the first company to actually 3D print objects aboard the International Space Station.
Before Redwire Space acquired them, the company had already developed some pretty specialized manufacturing tech for zero-gravity environments.
Made In Space started out as a pioneering startup with a simple but bold idea: bring real manufacturing into space. They saw early on that relying on Earth-based supply chains just wouldn’t cut it for long-term missions.
MIS hit its stride in 2014, thanks to a collaboration with NASA. The team sent the 3D Printing in Zero-G Experiment (3DP) up to the International Space Station.
That experiment marked the first time anyone manufactured an object in space instead of sending it up from Earth. Kind of wild, right?
Their Zero-G printer became the first manufacturing device to actually run in microgravity. This changed the game for space exploration, letting astronauts depend less on resupply from Earth.
Now, astronauts could make tools and components on-demand. That’s a must-have for future Mars missions or anywhere too far for regular deliveries.
Made In Space set its sights on building next-generation manufacturing capabilities for space. They wanted to support both exploration and national security with advanced space manufacturing.
MIS focused on three main things: on-orbit manufacturing, space-enabled materials development, and exploration manufacturing technology. These let them build tools, components, and even structures directly in orbit.
Their vision? Help grow the commercial space economy. By manufacturing in zero gravity, MIS could make stuff that’s literally impossible to create on Earth because of gravity.
Their tech lineup included space-optimized structures, space telescopes, and remote sensing products. They also worked on space-enabled optical fiber and industrial crystals, taking advantage of microgravity.
Made In Space set up shop in Jacksonville, Florida, where they developed their unique 3D printing tech. The leadership team really leaned into bridging the gap between traditional manufacturing and what’s possible in space.
They attracted a crew of engineers and scientists with backgrounds in additive manufacturing, materials science, and space systems. That mix of skills made a big difference when it came to solving microgravity manufacturing challenges.
MIS teamed up with NASA personnel and astronauts to fine-tune their manufacturing processes. This collaboration called for a lot of testing and validation to keep things safe aboard the ISS.
When Redwire Space acquired the company, it expanded what the team could do. The original Made In Space folks suddenly had the resources to scale their ideas across an even wider range of space manufacturing needs.
Space manufacturing has hit some big milestones lately. Astronauts have managed the first successful metal 3D printing aboard the International Space Station, plus some pretty wild zero-gravity production techniques.
These advances show how microgravity environments open up new ways to make complex materials and components—stuff you just can’t do on Earth.
The International Space Station made history when astronauts ran the first metal 3D printer in microgravity. Airbus developed this breakthrough system and installed it in the Columbus module in January 2024.
By June 2024, the system completed its first print. Engineers managed to create a curved S-shaped structure, proving the printer could work in zero gravity.
Later that summer, scientists produced a fully functional metal component. They sent it back to Earth for a deep-dive analysis at the European Space Research and Technology Center.
Some of the standout technical achievements:
This metal 3D printer could make space missions way more self-sufficient. Astronauts can now crank out spare parts and tools as needed, instead of waiting for pricey supply runs from Earth.
Recent technological advances have made space manufacturing more than just an idea. 3D printing technology leads the charge, with systems built specifically for microgravity.
Artificial intelligence now helps automate production monitoring. These systems tweak printing settings in real time to deal with zero-gravity quirks that affect material flow and component shapes.
Robotics have gotten so good that they can handle precision manufacturing without human help. Automated systems run around the clock, freeing up astronauts for other tasks.
Biotechnology applications are also in the mix, especially for pharmaceutical research. Companies are working on ways to manufacture medications and biological materials that just don’t work the same under Earth’s gravity.
New materials research has turned up some pretty cool stuff. Microgravity lets scientists create advanced alloys and composites with properties you can’t get on Earth.
The in-space manufacturing market is reflecting all this innovation. Right now, it’s worth about $4 billion, but some folks predict it’ll hit $25-30 billion by 2030.
The space manufacturing industry has checked off several key benchmarks that prove it’s not just hype. Private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin are developing their own manufacturing capabilities for space.
Some major accomplishments:
Printing the first successful metal component on the ISS really changed the game. It showed that complex manufacturing can work reliably in microgravity.
Pharmaceutical research has also shown big advantages for space-based production. Certain medications and biological materials come out better when manufactured in zero gravity.
Advanced materials production in space is unlocking new possibilities. Microgravity allows for materials with enhanced strength and purity—way better than what we can do on Earth.
Communication and navigation satellites now use components that have been tested through space manufacturing. It’s not just theory; it’s already making a difference in real-world space hardware.
Looking ahead: Missions to the Moon and Mars will need local manufacturing. The ability to make spare parts and tools from local materials will be key for sustainable exploration beyond Earth.
Made in Space has built strategic alliances with government agencies, aerospace companies, and research institutions. These partnerships include NASA contracts, commercial manufacturing deals, and international research initiatives that help expand what’s possible in orbital manufacturing.
Made in Space really got its start by teaming up with NASA. Together, they built the first 3D printer for the International Space Station.
The company worked closely with NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center to create the Zero-G Printer, which launched to the ISS in 2014.
NASA’s Commercial Crew Program provided critical funding and technical support. Space Act Agreements let Made in Space use NASA’s testing facilities and tap into their expertise.
The partnership kept growing. With the Additive Manufacturing Facility (AMF), NASA installed a more advanced 3D printer on the ISS in 2016.
This collaboration showed how space-based manufacturing could help cut down on dependency on Earth for supplies.
NASA still supports Made in Space through the CCSC-2 initiative, which pushes commercial space capabilities forward through unfunded Space Act Agreements.
Made in Space has teamed up with major aerospace contractors to bring manufacturing tech into space missions. Northrop Grumman is a big partner, working with them to develop solutions for satellite servicing and space infrastructure.
The company works with satellite operators to offer on-demand manufacturing in orbit. These partnerships focus on making replacement parts and specialized components to keep satellites running longer.
They also partner with launch providers to make sure their manufacturing systems can be efficiently sent to different orbital destinations.
On the materials side, Made in Space works with suppliers who develop special filaments and manufacturing materials that can handle the challenges of space.
Made in Space keeps close ties with universities to push space technology forward and train future engineers. These collaborations often focus on materials science and advanced manufacturing techniques.
The company joins international research programs with European and Japanese space agencies. These projects look at how different materials behave in microgravity.
Academic partnerships give Made in Space access to the latest research in additive manufacturing, robotics, and space systems engineering. Universities get a chance to see their research in real-world action.
International collaborations help set standards for space-based manufacturing and encourage orbital manufacturing across multiple space programs.
Companies are sending up advanced 3D printing systems, robotic assembly platforms, and custom materials processing equipment to space stations and satellites. These technologies take advantage of microgravity to create products you just can’t make on Earth, and they’re paving the way for automated production in space.
Space manufacturing needs dedicated production platforms with power, thermal management, and communication links. The International Space Station now hosts several manufacturing payloads, including 3D printers and fiber optic production systems.
Key facility components:
Commercial companies are building standalone manufacturing satellites. These free-flying platforms operate independently and don’t need crew intervention.
They’re loaded with equipment for producing specific materials or components. Redwire, for example, runs several on-orbit manufacturing systems with NASA partnerships.
Their facilities process fiber optics, semiconductors, and pharmaceutical compounds in microgravity.
Microgravity gets rid of buoyancy and sedimentation effects that mess with manufacturing on Earth. Materials float freely, so there’s no container contact, which means less contamination and perfectly round shapes.
Fiber optic cables made in space actually show better optical properties. Without gravity, glass structures turn out more uniform and have fewer defects.
ZBLAN fluoride glass fibers produced in orbit have much lower signal loss than Earth-made ones.
Materials being developed in space:
Companies can now process metals that can’t be mixed properly on Earth because of density differences. In microgravity, heavy and light elements blend evenly, creating new alloy compositions with unique properties.
Space manufacturing systems rely heavily on robotic assembly. It’s just too tough an environment and astronauts don’t have the time to do everything by hand.
These automated processes use computer vision, precision manipulators, and pre-programmed assembly routines.
NASA’s Archinaut program shows how on-orbit manufacturing and assembly of large structures can work. The system 3D prints structural parts and uses robotic arms to put them together into things like solar arrays or antennas.
Automated systems handle materials processing, quality checks, and packaging. Machine learning algorithms tweak manufacturing parameters based on real-time sensor data and production results.
This tech lets us build structures bigger than any rocket can carry. Components get manufactured and assembled piece by piece, dodging the size limits of Earth-based construction for space gear.
3D printing in space is honestly changing the way astronauts make tools and components while they’re out there. With the right equipment and special materials, they can manufacture what they need on demand, even in the weirdness of microgravity.
The International Space Station actually has NASA’s most advanced 3D printer, called the Additive Manufacturing Facility. It’s been up there as a permanent fixture since 2016, taking over from the earlier prototypes.
The AMF prints using several plastics, like ABS and PLA. Astronauts usually run the system with commands sent from Earth, which helps avoid mistakes that might happen in zero gravity.
Key AMF capabilities include:
The AMF prints parts for experiments right during missions. Scientists can tweak designs without waiting for a resupply from Earth, which seriously speeds up research.
Made In Space, working with NASA, developed the AMF. Since then, the system has cranked out over 200 parts—everything from tools to spare components and even experimental samples.
Space printing needs special materials that can handle extremes. Right now, the ISS printers mostly use thermoplastic polymers.
ABS plastic gets used for most things. It holds up to big temperature swings and is strong enough for tools. Plus, it doesn’t crack easily in the station’s dry air.
PLA bioplastic is easier to print with but isn’t as tough. Astronauts use it for temporary stuff or quick prototypes. It also breaks down faster than ABS in space.
In 2024, astronauts printed their first metal part on the ISS using the European Space Agency’s Metal 3D Printer, which uses stainless steel wire.
People are already working on new materials:
Each material needs its own printing temperature and environmental controls. Sometimes, the vacuum of space actually helps by getting rid of air bubbles during printing.
Astronauts use 3D printing to make things you just can’t pre-build on Earth. They create custom tools for missions on the fly.
They’ve printed socket wrenches, medical instruments, and experimental hardware. Every tool gets tailored for microgravity, which is a whole different ballgame than working on Earth.
Critical applications include:
The crew has printed pieces for water recycling and air purification systems. They’ve fixed problems right away, without waiting for a shipment from Earth.
Scientists keep finding new ways to use this tech. Teams print sample holders, mounting gear, and calibration tools. Being able to change designs mid-mission really speeds up research.
Looking ahead, Mars missions will need 3D printing even more. Out there, resupply isn’t an option. On-demand manufacturing could be the difference between success and failure.
Made In Space really made a name for itself with Archinaut, a robotic platform that builds structures right in orbit. They’ve landed over $73 million in NASA contracts and showed off 3D printing tech that can create 32-foot-long beams and deploy solar arrays from spacecraft.
Archinaut is the first system built just for making large structures in space. It combines 3D printing with robotic assembly to build spacecraft parts that don’t have to fit inside a rocket.
At the core is the Extended Structure Additive Manufacturing Machine (ESAMM). This machine prints beams while robotic arms put together things like solar arrays and antennas. Engineers ran tests at NASA’s Ames Research Center to make sure everything could handle space.
Key capabilities include:
This setup means astronauts don’t have to risk dangerous spacewalks just to assemble big parts. Even small satellites can now get power systems that used to be reserved for bigger craft. Made In Space has pushed the technology readiness level up to 6 after lots of ground testing.
NASA gave Made In Space a $73.7 million contract in 2020 for the Archinaut One mission. The plan was to launch the demo spacecraft on a Rocket Lab Electron rocket from New Zealand.
The mission aimed to manufacture two 10-meter beams, each extending from a different side of the spacecraft. These beams would then deploy solar arrays, generating five times more power than regular panels on similar satellites.
Project timeline and achievements:
Partners included Northrop Grumman, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab, and Oceaneering Space Systems. Tests showed that printed parts could survive the intense conditions of space.
Made In Space finished the first big 3D builds in simulated space, proving that you can make telescope parts and antennas in orbit.
Made In Space has mapped out some pretty bold plans for in-space manufacturing beyond Archinaut. They want to enable permanent space infrastructure and help NASA with Moon and Mars goals.
Planned developments include:
Archinaut is supposed to be the foundation for future transport stations and manufacturing centers in space. The next missions will tackle more complex builds that need precise robotic teamwork.
Manufacturing in microgravity means you can build bigger, lighter parts than you ever could on Earth. You also don’t have to worry about rocket size limits.
The roadmap puts a big focus on remote construction, which will be absolutely essential for Mars missions where help from Earth isn’t really possible. Astronauts will need automated systems to build habitats and other infrastructure, maybe even using local materials.
Made In Space keeps working on next-gen platforms that mix different manufacturing techniques with advanced robotics. They’re aiming for full-on space construction capabilities.
Manufacturing in space is opening up new revenue streams that go way beyond just the big aerospace companies. The commercial space economy is now worth over $600 billion a year, and in-space manufacturing could grab a big chunk of that across a bunch of industries.
In-space manufacturing is kind of the backbone for the growing commercial space ecosystem. Companies can now make stuff you simply can’t produce on Earth because of gravity.
The commercial space economy is getting a boost from lower launch costs and reusable rockets. SpaceX and Blue Origin have made it cheaper to get to space, which lets smaller companies set up shop in orbit.
Microgravity lets you make things like fiber optics, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals that are just better than anything you can make on Earth. These products fetch high prices when they come back down. No gravity means perfect crystals and better material mixing.
Space manufacturing is also creating jobs. Engineers, techs, and support teams are needed for ground control, mission ops, and product development. The commercial space sector now employs hundreds of thousands globally.
Space-made products go after high-value markets where the quality bump is worth the shipping costs. Pharma companies can grow protein crystals in microgravity that are bigger and purer than those made on Earth.
The fiber optic business stands to gain a lot. ZBLAN fiber optics made in space lose less signal than Earth-made cables. That’s a big deal for internet infrastructure and telecom.
Semiconductors made in space have fewer defects and better performance. The super-clean environment eliminates contamination problems that mess with Earth factories. Tech companies are already investing in space production to meet demand.
Specialty metals and alloys made in orbit have unique properties. Aerospace, medical devices, and electronics industries all want these materials. The space platform allows for manufacturing techniques you just can’t do on Earth.
In-space manufacturing sparks innovation that actually helps factories back on Earth. Remote operation tech developed for space ends up making automation better at home, too. That means more efficiency and lower costs for everyone.
Medical breakthroughs from space research help patients everywhere. Protein studies in microgravity lead to better drugs and treatments. Pharma companies use what they learn in space to improve their Earth-based manufacturing.
The commercial space boom also helps supporting industries like launch providers, satellite makers, and ground equipment suppliers. This ripple effect grows the whole aerospace sector.
Space manufacturing techniques often transfer to Earth. Advanced materials processing developed for microgravity improves quality and reduces waste in regular factories. Consumers end up getting better products, honestly.
Redwire bought Made In Space in June 2020, shaking up the orbital manufacturing scene. The deal brought together Made In Space’s trailblazing 3D printing with Redwire’s broad space infrastructure know-how.
AE Industrial Partners kicked off Redwire in June 2020 by merging Adcole Space and Deep Space Systems. Snapping up Made In Space marked their move into orbital manufacturing.
The deal included Made In Space’s U.S. and European operations, with their Luxembourg branch giving Redwire a better reach in Europe.
Key acquisition details:
Redwire became a full-spectrum space tech provider with this move. Made In Space brought a decade’s worth of orbital manufacturing experience, including its NASA partnerships.
The integration gave both companies a real boost. Made In Space tapped into Redwire’s flight heritage and manufacturing scale, while Redwire got proven orbital manufacturing tech.
Redwire’s lineup of sensors, payloads, and flight hardware fit perfectly with Made In Space’s manufacturing chops. Now they can offer complete mission solutions, from making parts to putting them together in orbit.
The Ceramic Manufacturing Module (CMM), made by Made In Space, became the first stereolithography printer to run in space under Redwire. That’s a big milestone for their combined capabilities.
With offices in Florida, California, Alabama, and Ohio, Made In Space expanded Redwire’s reach. The Luxembourg office helped Redwire serve the European market better.
The merger sped up development of space manufacturing. With Redwire’s financial muscle and industrial scale, Made In Space could push forward its robotic manufacturing and materials development programs.
Made In Space runs its operations out of key US locations and has built partnerships across several continents to support orbital manufacturing. The company uses ground-based facilities for testing and development, plus space-based manufacturing platforms.
Made In Space bases its main operations near major aerospace hubs. The headquarters handles research and development for space manufacturing systems.
Florida is a big deal for them, mostly because it’s close to launch infrastructure. The state’s aerospace ecosystem gives Made In Space access to testing facilities and launch services through Kennedy Space Center.
In California, the company focuses on engineering and manufacturing. These sites have ground-based test equipment that simulates space conditions, so they can check 3D printing systems before actual flight missions.
Key US Infrastructure Elements:
These US facilities let Made In Space test space manufacturing equipment under simulated orbital conditions before sending it up.
Made In Space branched out internationally by teaming up with space agencies outside the US. In Europe, they focus on pushing orbital manufacturing technologies for the next generation of missions.
They work with global partners to build manufacturing abilities that support big international infrastructure projects. These partnerships open up new launch options and help them reach more markets.
International facilities let Made In Space join multinational space programs. Their global presence means they can tap into different countries’ expertise in space tech.
International Collaboration Areas:
This worldwide infrastructure puts Made In Space in a good spot to serve international customers and use a variety of tech and launch options.
Manufacturing in space gives crews the tools they need to survive and succeed on missions that last months or even years, far from Earth. This tech changes the way astronauts deal with equipment failures and helps them keep critical systems running during deep space trips.
Long missions to Mars hit a big roadblock: crews can’t get replacement parts from Earth when it matters most. A Mars trip takes 5.5 to 7.5 months each way, so resupply just isn’t an option.
Additive manufacturing fixes this by letting crews make tools and parts on demand. On the International Space Station, astronauts have already printed working wrenches from digital files sent up from Earth.
Critical supplies get tricky on long journeys. Research shows that over 90% of medications would expire during a three-year Mars mission. Manufacturing systems might let crews make fresh meds using raw materials with longer shelf lives.
Food production benefits, too. Crews can print tools for hydroponics or make replacement parts for life support gear that handles air and water.
The economic impact is huge. Even with reusable rockets, launch costs run from $1,500 to $2,720 per kilogram. Manufacturing in space slashes the need to haul up spare parts, cutting mission costs and shrinking payloads.
When crews are millions of miles from Earth, equipment failures can turn deadly. Manufacturing tech gives them a way to respond instantly to critical breakdowns.
In early 2024, the European Space Agency printed metal parts aboard the International Space Station—a big step forward. Metal components can handle structural loads and extreme temperatures where plastics just can’t compete.
Emergency repairs get a lot easier when crews can make custom fixes. Usually, engineers have to guess every possible failure and send up all the right spares. That doesn’t work for multi-year deep space trips.
Manufacturing systems handle different materials—polymers, composites, and metals like titanium and aluminum. In the future, they might even process lunar or Martian soil into building materials.
Crew autonomy jumps when teams can fix problems themselves. Instead of waiting months for help or supplies, astronauts can design and build solutions using what they have and digital blueprints.
That kind of self-sufficiency is vital for permanent bases on the Moon or Mars, where crews will need to keep complex life support systems going without regular help from Earth.
Space manufacturing is at a crossroads. New tech like advanced 3D printing and autonomous robotics are about to shake up how we make things in orbit. Commercial opportunities are popping up fast as launch costs drop and private companies pour money into orbital manufacturing.
Robotic systems are changing the game for space manufacturing. NASA’s ARMADAS program uses small collaborative robots that can assemble big structures—antennas, habitat modules, you name it—directly in orbit, with barely any human help.
3D printing tech keeps getting better for space. New materials like titanium alloys and special polymers work well in microgravity. Electron beam freeform fabrication helps deal with liquid materials in zero gravity.
Autonomous quality control keeps an eye on manufacturing as it happens. These systems spot printing mistakes and fix them right away, cutting waste and saving the hassle of shipping things back to Earth for repairs.
Biomanufacturing is another frontier. Making pharmaceuticals in microgravity can create drug formulations you just can’t get on Earth. Protein crystals grow bigger and more perfectly in space, which is great for medical research.
Material processing is evolving, too. Metal-matrix composites make space machinery tougher. Nanoscale lubricants keep things running smoothly in wild temperature swings.
Private space companies are pushing manufacturing innovation. SpaceX and Blue Origin are leading the way in orbital production. Investors are backing startups that focus on specialty materials and precision parts for space.
Lower launch costs are making space manufacturing make sense financially. Companies can now afford to send up raw materials and equipment for production in orbit. Earth-based manufacturers are even looking at new business models.
Demand is rising for space-made products with unique properties. Fiber optics made in microgravity beat Earth-made versions in quality. Semiconductor crystals grown in space are purer, too.
International partnerships are helping move things forward. Countries team up for manufacturing research on the International Space Station, sharing costs and know-how.
Optimizing supply chains is getting more important as missions go farther. Mars trips will need local manufacturing for tools, spares, and building materials. Lunar bases will have to rely on autonomous production to last.
Space manufacturing still faces technical hurdles. Handling materials gets tricky when liquids float in zero gravity. Engineers are working on containment systems and magnetic tools to keep things under control.
Manufacturing equipment needs a lot of power, which can stretch a spacecraft’s electrical system. Solar arrays and nuclear power sources will have to grow to keep up, and battery systems can fill in the gaps during production.
Quality assurance isn’t easy in space. Old-school testing methods don’t always work in a vacuum. New inspection tools use automated scanning and remote monitoring.
Safety is a big concern in tight spacecraft. Processing metal powders can cause fires or explosions. Ventilation systems need upgrades to handle manufacturing byproducts and stop contamination.
Regulations are lagging behind the tech. International space law hasn’t caught up with commercial manufacturing. Patent and liability issues for space-made goods still need to be sorted out.
Cost-benefit analysis is tricky. For most products, shipping costs still outweigh the savings from making things in space. Companies focus on high-value items where the benefits are obvious.
Human factors matter, too. Astronauts have to learn equipment maintenance and quality control. Automation can lighten the load, but crews still need to keep production on track.
Made In Space has led the way in developing manufacturing tech for space, including printers that work in microgravity. The company runs research facilities and offers career paths in space manufacturing, contributing to a growing ecosystem of off-Earth production.
3D printing in microgravity needs specialized equipment because gravity doesn’t help materials settle. The process uses precise temperature controls and special extrusion systems to keep material flowing and sticking together.
Made In Space built the Additive Manufacturing Facility on the International Space Station. This printer uses thermoplastics that get heated and pushed through controlled nozzles. Heating elements and cooling systems keep the layers bonded.
Without gravity, materials behave differently as they settle and bond. Engineers designed enclosed chambers and tweaked material feeding systems to stop debris from floating and to keep print quality up.
Right now, space manufacturing focuses on tools, spare parts, and structural components—not clothing. Textile manufacturing in microgravity isn’t there yet.
Researchers are looking into fiber production and material processing that could one day make clothing in space possible. For now, though, the tech is mainly used for printing rigid parts and components.
Space manufacturing companies stick to items astronauts need right away—replacement parts, equipment housings, and tools for maintenance and research.
Space manufacturing companies hire engineers who know additive manufacturing, materials science, and aerospace systems. These jobs need mechanical engineering skills, knowledge of materials processing, and an understanding of the space environment.
Software developers create control systems and user interfaces for space-based manufacturing gear. These roles blend programming with space system reliability.
Research scientists work on new materials and processes for space. Project managers keep development on track and work with NASA and other agencies.
Quality assurance specialists make sure parts meet mission requirements. Business development folks look for new uses and connect with aerospace customers.
Redwire took over Made In Space in 2020 and has kept pushing advanced manufacturing for space. They run several manufacturing platforms on the International Space Station, including the Redwire Additive Manufacturing Facility.
Redwire has expanded beyond basic 3D printing into fiber optic production in microgravity. Their ZBLAN fiber manufacturing shows how space can make materials better than Earth can.
Redwire builds automated manufacturing systems that don’t need much astronaut input. These systems support long missions by making tools, spare parts, and special components on demand.
They work with NASA to develop manufacturing tech for lunar and Mars missions. Their research looks at using local materials and building self-sustaining manufacturing for future space settlements.
Made In Space, now part of Redwire, runs research and development facilities focused on space manufacturing. These sites develop and test equipment before it’s sent into space.
The Jacksonville office has engineering teams working on next-gen manufacturing systems. They run ground-based tests of equipment and develop new materials for microgravity production.
Research includes testing manufacturing under simulated space conditions. The facility keeps clean rooms for assembling space-ready gear and checks the quality of printed parts.
Redwire Space trades publicly and stands out as the main way to invest in space manufacturing technologies. They went public back in 2021 by merging with Genesis Park Acquisition Corp.
A handful of private companies in this sector are out there looking for investment. Some of them work on materials processing, while others build automated production systems for use in space.
You’ll also find opportunities with companies that build supporting tech for space manufacturing. Think materials suppliers, software developers, or those making specialized ground-based testing equipment.
Lately, venture capital firms have started to pay much more attention to space technology as the whole industry keeps growing. Investors usually look at things like how ready the tech is, what markets it could serve, and whether the company has good partnerships with big aerospace players.