5: In-Orbit Servicing and Manufacturing

We are moving into an era of space infrastructure, where the size of what can be fitted into a rocket is no longer a constraint on what can operate in space.

In-Orbit Servicing and Manufacturing – or IOSM for short – is a nascent market with huge opportunities, referring to the operations and activities conducted in Low Earth Orbit, though they could happen anywhere in the solar system.

IOSM is more than just servicing and manufacturing. It also covers inspection, repair, assembly, and perhaps even recycling. But these operations have all for the most part already happened in space, to some degree. The assembly of the International Space Station, for example, took 30 space missions to complete, whilst the Hubble telescope has been inspected, repaired, and upgraded throughout its lifespan. 

So, if these activities are nothing new, why is everyone so excited about IOSM?

Our host, Sarah Cruddas, is joined by Mike Curtis-Rouse from the Satellite Applications Catapult, Lorenzo Ferrario from D-Orbit, and Thomas Clayson from Magdrive.

Satellite Applications Catapult: Website, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook
D-Orbit: Website, Twitter, LinkedIn
Magdrive: Website, Twitter, LinkedIn

Produced by Story Ninety-Four in Oxford.