Tests of additive manufacturing and other processes under space gravity conditions in the Einstein-Elevator

Abstract

Material processing and material transport systems on Earth are designed for Earth's gravity and atmosphere. In order to pave the way for the future colonization of space, production technologies and transport systems are an essential factor in reducing costs and logistical efforts, such as in-situ resource utilization (ISRU). Laser-based additive manufacturing methods offer the possibility of a production process independent of environmental conditions and a high degree of adaptability to the objects to be manufactured. These and other processes, e.g. for material handling of powder in microgravity, will be investigated in the Einstein-Elevator in the future. This paper first describes the possibilities for the investigation of large scientific experimental setups under different gravitational conditions. Subsequently, the requirements for the experiments and an exemplary project sequence are described using the example of the MOONRISE project. In addition, first experimental results are presented.