Silicon Valley-based SSL was recently selected by NASA to perform a study that will explore the ability to manufacture satellites in commercial habitats being developed for use in space. In particular, SSL will study the feasibility of habitable space platforms for building commercial satellites, and how such initiatives could simultaneously unlock new revenue opportunities and expanded exploration capabilities. SSL specializes in satellite manufacturing and space-based robotics.
Transferring the production of satellites, and potentially spacecraft, to space could offer some benefits, the most significant of which could be a reduction in the number of necessary launches and avoidance of all the costs they entail.
The ability to operate such facilities in space could also expand total travel distances, with these manufacturing plants essentially acting as service hubs for continued travel to locations years or even decades from earth. It would also open up space production to private firms similar to how commercial space launch has been brought to the forefront by firms such as SpaceX and United Launch Alliance – a partnership between Boeing and Lockheed.
SSL has previous experience working with NASA in the areas of advanced in-orbit servicing and assembly capabilities. The company is also investigating the robotic conversion of rocket upper stages into commercial habitats.
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