AI-In-Orbit-Factory (AIO) – Autonomous Production of Small Satellites in Space

01.08.2020

Project Overview

The AI-In-Orbit-Factory (AIO) is a joint research project aimed at developing a cyber-physical production system for the in-orbit manufacturing of small satellites. The focus is on integrating artificial intelligence, digital process twins and robotic assembly to realise flexible, autonomous production in space.

Project period: 08/2020 – 07/2022

Key Technical Features

• Development of a digital process twin to monitor and control all production activities of the in-orbit factory.
• Use of AI methods for optimized assembly and test procedures via robotic systems.
• Robotic assembly, integration and test (AIT) of modular small satellite components in orbit.
• Cyber-physical architecture enabling autonomous interaction between process participants and adaptive production.
• Preparation for next-generation follow-up project: ACOR – AI‑enabled Cyber‑Physical In‑Orbit Self‑Recovering Factory.

Consortium

• Technische Universität Darmstadt (Coordination)
• Technische Universität München
• Zentrum für Telematik e.V.

Future Outlook

The results of the AIO project feed directly into the follow-up initiative ACOR, which emphasises self-recovering processes and further autonomy for an in-orbit factory. line of research is pivotal for enabling next-generation satellite constellations, rapid on-demand satellite builds in orbit, and scalable space manufacturing capabilities.

Funding

The project was funded by the Deutsches Zentrum für Luft‑ und Raumfahrt (DLR) and the Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie (BMWi).