Automated Additive Construction (AAC) for Earth Space Using In-situ Resources
Author(s)
Mueller, Robert P.
Howe, Scott
Kochmann, Dennis
Ali, Hisham
Andersen, Christian
Burgoyne, Hayden
Chambers, Wesley
Clinton, Raymond
DeKestelier, Xavier
Ebelt, Keye
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Abstract
Using Automated Additive Construction (AAC), low-fidelity large-scale compressive structures
can be produced out of a wide variety of materials found in the environment. Compression intensive structures need not utilize materials that have tight specifications for internal force
management, meaning that the production of the building materials do not require costly
methods for their preparation. Where a certain degree of surface roughness can be tolerated,
lower-fidelity numerical control of deposited materials can provide a low-cost means for
automating building processes, which can be utilized in remote or extreme environments on
Earth or in Space. For space missions where every kilogram of mass must be lifted out of Earth’s
gravity well, the promise of using in-situ materials for the construction of outposts, facilities, and
installations could prove to be enabling if significant reduction of payload mass can be achieved.
In a 2015 workshop sponsored by the Keck Institute for Space Studies, on the topic of Three
Dimensional (3D) Additive Construction For Space Using In-situ Resources, was conducted with additive construction experts from around the globe in attendance. The workshop explored
disparate efforts, methods, and technologies and established a proposed framework for the field
of Additive Construction Using In-situ Resources.
This paper defines the field of Automated Additive Construction Using In-situ Resources,
describes the state-of-the-art for various methods, establishes a vision for future efforts, identifies
gaps in current technologies, explores investment opportunities, and proposes potential
technology demonstration missions for terrestrial, International Space Station (ISS), lunar, deep
space zero-gravity, and Mars environments.
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Date
2016-04
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Text
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Paper
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