S2 EP5: In-Orbit Servicing and Manufacturing

We are moving into an era of space infrastructure, where the size of what can be fitted into a rocket is no longer a constraint on what can operate in space.

In-Orbit Servicing and Manufacturing – or IOSM for short – is a nascent market with huge opportunities, referring to the operations and activities conducted in Low Earth Orbit, though they could happen anywhere in the solar system.

IOSM is more than just servicing and manufacturing. It also covers inspection, repair, assembly, and perhaps even recycling. But these operations have all for the most part already happened in space, to some degree. The assembly of the International Space Station, for example, took 30 space missions to complete, whilst the Hubble telescope has been inspected, repaired, and upgraded throughout its lifespan.

So, if these activities are nothing new, why is everyone so excited about IOSM?

Sarah is a space journalist, international TV host and award winning author. She has an academic background in astrophysics and is a global thought leader in the growing commercial space sector.

Within the space industry Sarah works at the highest level, traveling the globe working to develop the commercial space sector. She also sits on the board of directors of Space for Humanity, a global non-profit dedicated to democratising access to space and is an honorary advocate of the Space Frontier Foundation.

Sarah’s mission is to inspire a diverse audience about why space exploration matters, how it has shaped all of our lives and why we all need to look up a little more. Space is for everyone.

Get in Touch

If you’d like to contact us about any episode of In-Orbit, collaboration opportunities, or to find out more about how we can help your business, please email marketing@sa.catapult.org.uk

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