Extra Terrestrial Manufacturing (ExTeM)

A new Center of Excellence focused on advancing technologies for Extra Terrestrial Manufacturing (ExTeM) has been established at IIT Madras, filling a significant gap in space-related manufacturing research in India. While current efforts primarily concentrate on developing technologies for manufacturing launch vehicles and satellites, there is a growing need for capabilities to manufacture items in space for both space and Earth applications. This necessity arises from increasing human exploration of space, including plans for settlements in distant locales that would necessitate prolonged journeys aboard spacecraft. Additionally, the unique benefits of microgravity for manipulating material structures present compelling opportunities.The proposed center aims to tackle these challenges by developing a diverse array of manufacturing technologies tailored to microgravity environments, encompassing materials from concrete to metal foams, single crystals, and biomanufacturing. A multidisciplinary team comprising faculty from aerospace, civil, electrical, mechanical, and materials engineering, biotechnology as well as the sciences, will collaborate on these endeavors. Recognizing the inherent disparities between space-based and Earth-based manufacturing processes—such as limited space, power, and the complexities of managing process inputs and outputs—the center will pursue both fundamental research and technology development. The center plans to conduct a series of microgravity tests using platforms ranging from drop-towers to parabolic flights and sub-orbital flights. These tests and resulting prototypes are poised to garner international attention, elevating both the center and IIT Madras onto the global stage. Furthermore, the center's establishment is likely to inspire curiosity among young minds and foster a renewed sense of excitement within the IIT Madras community. ;