Monica Jackson
NASA has chosen Maxar Technologies’ SSL subsidiary to study the feasibility of using space-based commercial habitats as satellite manufacturing facilities.
SSL said Wednesday it believes establishing a capacity to build satellites in space will help save time and resources by doing away with launch vehicle volumes and schedules, as well as help save the spacecraft from harsh conditions during launch.
“We work closely with NASA to explore concepts that implement next-generation business models to stimulate private demand for commercial human spaceflight,†said Richard White, president of SSL Government Systems.
He added that public-private partnerships can help drive technological advancement opportunities.
SSL provides satellite servicing and assembly services to multiple NASA programs such as the Dragonfly on-orbit satellite assembly system and a project that transforms rocket upper stages into commercial habitats.
