In-Space Manufacturing and Assembly

Dear Colleagues,

Future spacecrafts are characterized by their modular design, large size, and maintainability. Such developments have always been reliant on new and advanced technologies, such as in-space manufacturing and assembly. In-space manufacturing and assembly (ISMA) enables the in situ manufacturing of spacecrafts in space and serves as a key technology to break through the strict limitations on volume, weight, structural strength, etc. Moreover, ISMA allows a paradigm shift in the design and manufacturing of spacecraft, including space architectures and functional components. In accordance with space application requirements, ISMA aims to develop the corresponding manufacturing technologies suitable for the space environment, Thus, realizing ISMA requires cross-cooperation in multiple research fields, including the theory and method of spacecraft in-space design and manufacture, advanced manufacturing technology and the related manufacturing mechanisms in the space environment, in-orbit assembly, in-orbit manufacturing validation method and evaluation criteria, in-orbit integration technology, space technologies, etc. Thus, a broader range of investigations to promote the development of ISMA is of particular interest. Full papers, communications, and reviews concerning ISMA are welcomed and invited for inclusion in this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Shaofan Zhao
Prof. Dr. Pengfei Wang
Guest Editors

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