As the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) prepares to develop the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (Indian Space Station), a team at the Indian Institute of Technolgy-madras is working on ways to protect it in space.
The Extraterrestrial Manufacturing (ExTeM) team at IIT Madras is developing metal foam to shied the space station in vacuum of space.
Engineers are pioneering research in "In Space for Space and for Earth" technologies. This initiative focuses on developing cutting-edge innovations that support long-term human presence in space while also benefiting life on Earth.
ExTeM's work encompasses two primary objectives: "Making in Space for Space" and "Making in Space for Earth." The former involves creating technologies essential for sustainable space exploration, such as constructing infrastructure using local materials like Martian soil.
The team has developed a Microgravity Drop Tower — the fourth largest globally — to study materials under zero-gravity conditions.
Neelabh Menaria's research on metal foam highlights its potential to protect space stations from meteorite impacts by leveraging microgravity to enhance material properties.
Furthermore, ExTeM explores welding techniques in zero gravity and advancements in 3D printing and bioprinting.
Next-generation optical fibers known as Zeblon fibers are being developed to overcome manufacturing challenges posed by gravity on Earth. Additionally, bioprinting critical organs like hearts is being improved through microgravity environments where capillary collapse due to self-weight is minimised.
As part of India’s Institute of Eminence initiative since 2021, ExTeM aims to reduce reliance on Earth-based supply chains by harnessing extraterrestrial resources efficiently.
This not only supports future lunar or Martian missions but also contributes significantly to terrestrial applications through superior materials production.
Source: India Today