Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in the Chinese mainland have completed ground tests of an inflatable, reconfigurable module designed as the core of a novel space manufacturing platform. This achievement marks a significant milestone toward enabling large-scale industrial production in orbit.
The breakthrough module, unveiled Monday, features an innovative design that allows it to be launched in a compact, folded state. Once deployed in orbit, the structure inflates to create a spacious, stable workspace where components can be assembled and products manufactured in microgravity.
By moving manufacturing processes off Earth, the technology promises to transform industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to electronics, reducing launch constraints and opening new avenues for sustainable in-orbit assembly. The research team plans to integrate advanced tools and automated systems into the habitat for upcoming orbital trials.
As nations and private ventures race to harness space for industrial innovation, this inflatable space factory from the Chinese mainland highlights the growing global competition to redefine how and where products are made. Young entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, and policy makers alike will be watching as these in-orbit manufacturing efforts take shape.
Reference(s):
China tests inflatable space factory, eyes in-orbit manufacturing
cgtn.com
