Hume Seminar Series: Additive Manufacturing in Space (Northrop Grumman)

About the Event:

Additive Manufacturing (AM, also known as 3D printing) has made significant advancements over the past decade and has become a viable alternative to traditional machining techniques. In-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM) have become major research and development topics for government and commercial entities seeking the capability to build very large structures in space. AM is well suited for on-orbit manufacturing because the process is highly automated, produces little material waste, and allows for a large degree of geometric freedom. This presentation provides an overview of an NG developed 3D printer that is capable of operating in high vacuum and includes test results to characterize its performance. A concept for an on-orbit demonstration of this technology, currently in development with Virginia Tech students, is also discussed.

About the Speaker:

Mr. Randy Spicer is a Staff Engineer at Northrop Grumman Space Systems in Dulles, Virginia. He has over 18 years of experience in spacecraft design, analysis, integration, and test across a wide range of government and commercial space vehicles. He is a subject matter expert for additive manufacturing and leads several research & development projects advancing 3D printing applications for spacecraft.

Mr. Spicer holds a PhD in Aerospace Engineering from Virginia Tech. Dr. Spicer’s research has been published in conference papers and journal articles. Additionally, Dr. Spicer’s research resulted in a patent award. He successfully defended his dissertation, entitled “Additive Manufacturing in Spacecraft Design and In-Space Robotic Fabrication of Large Structures”, during the Spring 2023 semester.