The routine utilization of space for materials processing presents significant opportunities for innovation in manufacturing processes. Research into material behaviors in low gravity, as demonstrated by NASA's history of experiments on Skylab, Apollo-Soyuz Test Program (ASTP), Space Processing Application Rockets (SPAR), and the International Space Station (ISS), lays the groundwork for novel space manufacturing. While traditional space transportation systems like the shuttle and rockets have been essential, they have drawbacks such as environmental impact, high costs, and limited payload efficiency. Addressing these challenges, the paper proposes a space elevator as a sustainable and transformative solution. The paper will specifically discuss two main points: the methodology for constructing a space elevator and the conceptual design of an industrial facility situated at the geostationary orbit employing the Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems (AS/RS). The envisioned space elevator is intended to provide locations for microgravity material research, material processing in space, and potential human habitation during their tenure in the space facility.
Chi Lan T. Huynh (2024) studied this question.