Micro Space Foundry for On-Orbit Recycling and Metal Materials Production

This Phase II-E initiative by CisLunar Industries focuses on verifying and refining the Modular Space Foundry (MSF) hardware developed in Phase II for deployment and operation at the International Space Station (ISS) over a period of 12 months. This extension emphasizes hardware compliance, concluding final payload fabrication, executing pre-flight tests to mitigate on-orbit failure risks, preparing ISS launch logistics, and advancing MSF and Modular Configurable Electric Power Converter (MCEPC) commercialization for diverse high-power applications in space logistics and industry. Tasks include hardware integration, preliminary testing, payload fabrication, pre-flight and on-orbit examinations, ground support logistics, data analysis, program management, and commercialization strategies. Collaborative efforts between CisLunar Industries, Axiom, and ZIN Technologies ensure ISS compliance, final payload design, and fabrication, encompassing parabolic flight tests and validation to minimize failure risks pre-ISS launch. The initiative aims to demonstrate sustained microgravity functionality of the MSF, focusing on casting ingots under various parameters and validating 3D contactless electromagnetic manipulation using the Steer system. Additionally, it outlines Phase II-E SBIR/STTR funding for labor, research, and publication, and private matching funds for material expenses and MSF and MCEPC commercialization initiatives. This Phase II-E initiative signifies a crucial step towards refining MSF hardware for ISS utilization and drives commercialization efforts in space technology, enhancing space logistics, and expanding industry applications with innovative power solutions.

Metal foundries supply material and enable the manufacture & assembly of orbital platforms which may be used for Maintenance & Repair and assembled on orbit in proximity of other operations requiring Installation & Upgrade or frequent close inspection. Metal propellant is produced on-orbit by CisLunar’s foundries from space debris enabling high efficiency, lower cost transportation for Delivery & Aggregation, station keeping of maintenance platforms, or orbit changes. Refueling is enabled by propellant options provided by the space foundry. The proposed technology has applicability to DoD and commercial missions for transportation, materials, and disposal of space debris. The recent announcement of Orbital Prime with a strong emphasis on debris removal and Space Sustainability demonstrates the immediate viability of the CisLunar Industries Micro Space Foundry. Astroscale, Axiom, Nanoracks, Lockheed, and others support our efforts.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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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