In a collaboration among leaders in 3D printing technology (Caracol, D-orbit and the European Space Agency (ESA)), the COSMIC LFAM ESA Grand Challenge is setting the stage for a new era in space manufacturing. The challenge is bringing together some of the most innovative minds to transform the landscape of space manufacturing and today we proudly introduce the four competing teams that are at the forefront of this transformative initiative:
· Gradel, Luxembourg
· H-CAM, Greece
· Lodestar, United Kingdom
· Treddy, Italy
The COSMIC LFAM ESA Grand Challenge, open to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) registered in ESA Member, Cooperating, or Associate States, offers a grand prize of 100,000 EUR. The prize provides ambitious teams the opportunity to redefine the trajectory of space manufacturing.
The COSMIC Race: teams prepare for the first deliverable phase
As the COSMIC LFAM ESA Grand Challenge embarks on its two-year journey, the four competing teams stand on the precipice of a pivotal milestone – the first deliverable phase. Their collective mission is to adapt Caracol LFAM (Large Format Additive Manufacturing) technology and processes to the challenging space environment, unlocking the potential for on-demand manufacturing capability during long-duration space missions. The first deliverable phase is not just a marker of progress; it is a testament to the teams’ commitment to realising their vision of in-space manufacturing, representing a year of effort and problem-solving as the teams work to overcome the unique challenges of manufacturing in space. During this critical phase, the competing teams will present a comprehensive technical description of their technology feasibility, demonstrating their progress and reporting on their technological advancements.
The Gradel team leverages on their expertise in developing special purpose machines since 1965 explaining that they “(…) started developing a groundbreaking technology to manufacture ultralightweight parts based on filament wet-winding process. Having reached TRL 6 for SPACE applications, our motivation is to set GRADEL Robotic Additive Manufacturing (GRAM) as the first of its kind technology for in-space manufacturing. Relying on its unique features, GRAM has the potential to enable large-scale lightweight manufacturing in space environment and to unlock the new possibilities for space missions, once thought to be impossible”.
As Hellenic-CAM’s Technical Manager George Voerakos emphasised, “The Hellenic Center for Additive Manufacturing, as unique Competence Center in 3D Printing technologies in Greece and South-Eastern Europe, is extremely happy to participate in the Cosmic LFAM – ESA Grand Challenge. We hope that our focus, determination as well as our expertise will make possible to build our way to space as we believe that the synergy between space and terrestrial applications has the potential to revolutionise manufacturing processes and open up new opportunities for technological advancements.”
CEO and co-founder of Lodestar, Neil Buchanan, highlighted their forward looking vision: “Lodestar’s mission is to develop the tools for the next industrial revolution and we’re thrilled to be selected for the COSMIC LFAM ESA Grand Challenge. It aligns perfectly with our goals – to push the boundaries of OSAM/ISAM technology that will not only enable a thriving Low-Earth-Orbit economy but also revolutionise the way we manufacture in space and on Earth. By matching our space-rated robotics to ESA, Caracol, and D-Orbit’s missions, we’re printing a better future for humanity.”
Davide Matera, technical designer and engineer at Treddy, converges in their acknowledgment of the pivotal role of Large Format Additive Manufacturing technology plays in shaping the space industry: “It’s a great honour for our team at Treddy to have been selected to take part in the COSMIC LFAM ESA Grand Challenge. We embark on this journey to contribute to the advancement of technology in support of the expansion of modern manufacturing capabilities and the broader mission of the European Space Agency. We look forward to help set new frontiers and expanding humanity’s understanding of the universe by contributing to the development of manufacturing beyond our Earth – both in orbit or in future settlements on our Moon and Mars.”
Treddy, H-CAM, Lodestar, and Gradel share the common thread of a dedication to innovation that propels them forward. LFAM technology for space represents a strategic opportunity, offering the potential for substantial returns as it disrupts traditional manufacturing processes, significantly cuts production costs, and positions itself at the forefront of the burgeoning space industry’s demand for innovative, cost-efficient solutions.
The COSMIC LFAM ESA Grand Challenge, coupled with the future in-space manufacturing technologies developed by the four competing teams, have the potential to ignite a new era of space ventures, space-based commercial manufacturing, and future opportunities in space settlements and habitats.