The European Commission selects Airbus to study spacecraft manufacturing in space through the Horizon 2020 Programme. Credit: © Airbus.

The European Commission (EC) has selected Airbus has to explore the feasibility of spacecraft manufacturing in space.

As part of the Horizon 2020 Programme on space robotics technologies, Airbus will lead the PERASPERA In-Orbit Demonstration (PERIOD) project.

PERIOD aims to build a functional satellite in a future robotised orbital factory.

It primarily focuses on manufacturing major components, including antenna reflectors, assembly of spacecraft components and satellite payload replacements in orbit.

Other members of the project include seven European innovators, namely DFKI, EASN-TIS, GMV, GMV-SKY, ISISPACE, SENER Aeroespacial and Space Applications Services.

The two-year A/B1 phase study contract is valued at $3.5m (€3m).

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Upon completion of the robotised orbital factory and the demonstrator, these are expected to be orbited via a launcher.

It would eventually be activated to begin manufacturing in orbit as a free flyer.

Airbus space exploration future projects head Silvio Sandrone said: “Airbus has been working on in-orbit manufacturing technologies for more than a decade and the PERIOD programme will help Europe move its combined technological know-how to the next level.

“Future large-scale space systems can only be manufactured and assembled in orbit, so it’s crucial that Europe is at the forefront of this key capability.”

Besides this project, Airbus is involved in various in-space research programmes, including the European Space Agency (ESA) funded Metal3D project and the MANTOS project.

Last November, Airbus secured the ESA contract for the TRUTHS A/B1 (system feasibility studies and pre-developments).