Vulcan Advanced Hybrid Manufacturing (VULCAN)

The Vulcan Advanced Hybrid Manufacturing (VULCAN) System campaign will assess the hardware of this multi-material manufacturing solution for on-orbit, lunar, and Martian operations. VULCAN is designed to autonomously produce component parts out of multiple metals and polymers in variable gravity. Its core elements include a computer numerical control milling tool, cameras for validation, a robotic arm for handling parts, and avionics. This technology aims to produce a reliable in situ supply of replacement parts and novel structures via additive and subtractive manufacturing and to meet changing mission needs.

This multi-material additive and subtractive manufacturing system for in-orbit, lunar, and Martian operations aims to autonomously produce component parts out of multiple metals and polymers in variable gravity. The Vulcan Advanced Hybrid Manufacturing (VULCAN) System Parabolic Flight Testing demonstration is designed to enable a reliable and dynamic in situ supply of replacement parts and novel structures to meet changing exploration mission needs. This has the potential to benefit NASA missions and the commercial space industry.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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