Additive Friction Stir Deposition for In-Space Manufacturing

IERUS Technologies proposes to investigate the use of Additive Friction Stir Deposition (AFS-D) to robotically fabricate and repair large structures in the external space environment. The AFS-D process provides a new path for repairing and additively manufacturing metallic structures. AFS-D produces fully-dense, near net-shape structures in open atmospheric conditions. IERUS Technologies also proposes to investigate the integration of its Vision System for inspection of AFS-D fabricated components. IERUS’s Vision System is designed to verify dimensions of post processed in-space manufactured components.

The AFS-D process is well suited for additively manufacturing large metal structures in both terrestrial and space environments. The Vision System is applicable for inspection of additive manufactured components in both terrestrial and space environments.

Potential Non-NASA applications of on-orbit manufacturing and repair include commercial satellite servicing and manufacturing of large trusses, solar arrays and antenna reflectors for other government agencies such as the Air Force and DARPA. The Vision System can also be applied for commercial applications such as inspection of precision components for automotive and aerospace markets.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — 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.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.