The ThinkPlatform complex developed by ThinkOrbital can both manufacture goods and collect and process space debris in orbit.
Simulation of the ThinkPlatform complex in orbit. (Photo: ThinkOrbital)
The Colorado-based company ThinkOrbital is developing an orbital complex that can be used to manufacture goods in space and address the issue of space debris. Manufacturing in space could play a crucial role in future space exploration by significantly reducing the costs of launching complete structures into orbit and beyond. According to representatives from ThinkOrbital, their complex could be compatible with SpaceX’s fully reusable Starship rocket.
Previously, ThinkOrbital submitted a design to NASA as a proposal for a new space station last year but was unsuccessful. NASA awarded a $415.6 million contract to Blue Origin, Nanoracks, and Northrop Grumman instead. Since then, ThinkOrbital has adjusted its ideas.
The company’s complex, named ThinkPlatform, is a free-flying, unpressurized module that can dock with space stations or spacecraft like SpaceX’s Starship. Despite missing out on the NASA contract, ThinkOrbital secured two research contracts worth $260,000 under the U.S. Space Force’s Orbital Prime program to develop services, assembly, and manufacturing in space.
According to Lee Rosen, co-founder and president of ThinkOrbital, the ThinkPlatform will be assembled in space using robotic arm technology. While existing, this technology will need enhancements to enable automated construction of the complex.
If successful in reaching orbit, ThinkPlatform could facilitate the production of high-speed computer chips, pharmaceuticals, and optical fibers. The complex could also deploy small satellites to collect space debris, recycle it, convert it into fuel, or lower its orbit to allow it to burn up in the atmosphere. ThinkPlatform could process waste, turning aluminum into aluminum powder for use as spacecraft fuel.
