EU PERIOD (PERASPERA In-Orbit Demonstration) project for satellite assembly and manufacturing in orbit

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Airbus Pioneers First Satellite Factory in Space

PERIOD consortium to prepare concept for in-orbit demonstrator In-space antenna and satellite assembly: first steps towards space manufacturing BREMEN, Germany, 11 March 2021 (Airbus PR) – Airbus has been selected by the European Commission to study spacecraft manufacturing in space through the...

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Airbus has been selected by the European Commission to study spacecraft manufacturing in space through the Horizon 2020 Programme. The PERIOD (PERASPERA In-Orbit Demonstration) project focuses on satellite assembly and manufacturing in orbit. This A/B1 phase study contract, worth €3 million [$3.6 million], will last two years, with the objective to continue with a demonstrator in orbit.

The “orbital factory” envisioned by PERIOD will pioneer construction of major components such as antenna reflectors, assembly of spacecraft components and satellite payload replacements, directly in space.