Space Printer for Autonomous Manufacture of Mega-Structures (SPAMM)

This paper presents the conceptual design and mission architecture for the Space Printer for Autonomous Manufacture of Mega-Structures (SPAMM), a self-reliant, in-space manufacturing payload integrated onto the Blue Canyon Technologies X-Sat Venus-Class Bus. SPAMM leverages fused deposition modeling (FDM) to autonomously construct large-scale structures in low Earth orbit (LEO), targeting future applications in deployable apertures, structural trusses, space habitats, and infrastructure repair. Unlike traditional static additive manufacturing systems, SPAMM features a mobile printer head capable of locomotion across the structures it builds, enabling prints significantly larger than the satellite itself. This work addresses challenges in creating scalable in-space fabrication systems critical to In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM) missions. In addition, a prototype locomotive 3D printer demonstrates the feasibility of the core function of movement along manufactured parts and the continued extension of those parts. Future work involves continuing the design process towards a Preliminary Design Review.