space-mfgsatellitesAdvanced manufacturing is moving into space and building the foundation of a robust in-space economy. Firmamentum, a division of Washington-based Tethers Unlimited, will be testing additive manufacturing technologies on board space systems. The goal is for lightweight, carbon-fiber composite structures to be fabricated in space. This allows for significantly larger and therefore, higher performance satellite components to be created in orbit rather than being limited by the smaller units that are currently being launched.  The company is also testing  in-space recycling demonstrations.  Read more in The Seattle Times.

Washington State has become a space exploration hub where companies like Blue Origin, Vulcan Aerospace, Insitu, Planetary Resources and Tethers Unlimited are pioneers in the new frontier.  To learn more about the robust space industry in Washington State contact moreinfo@choosewashingtonstate.com.