The technology could challenge current space system paradigms’, according to NASA.

NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) is looking for partners to help develop additive manufacturing (AM) methods for large-scale structures with integrated functions provided by the incorporation of continuous carbon nanotube reinforcement.

The technology could potentially enable revolutionary spacecraft design and manufacturing concepts that ‘challenge the current space system paradigms’, NASA says.

LaRC is seeking assistance with existing large scale robotic AM with the capability to make structures with complex geometries with at least 1 m2 of build volume, and autonomous in-situ post-processing of AM surfaces to produce smooth finished surfaces in specified locations of the manufactured part. It also required the capability to design AM spacecraft components.

Participation in this partnering synopsis is open to all US and non-US organizations, including educational institutions, industry, not-for-profit institutions, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, as well as NASA Centers and other U.S. Government Agencies. All responders should have demonstrated experience in AM of large scale structures.

More information is available here.

This story is reprinted from material from NASA, with editorial changes made by Materials Today. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Elsevier.