NASA is advancing its plans for human exploration of the Moon and Mars through a collaborative effort with The Ohio State University focused on laser beam welding in space. This multi-year project, based at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, seeks to understand welding processes in the unique conditions of the lunar surface, including vacuum and reduced gravity environments.
The initiative aims to enhance in-space manufacturing capabilities, enabling the assembly of large structures and repairs on the Moon. Andrew O'Connor, a materials scientist at Marshall, emphasized that traditional mechanical fasteners may not provide the necessary strength for structures assembled in space, making welding a critical technology.
Researchers are currently gathering data on various factors affecting welding in simulated space conditions, such as temperature and heat transfer. In August 2024, a team from Ohio State conducted high-powered fiber laser beam welding aboard a commercial aircraft that simulated reduced gravity through parabolic flight maneuvers. This experiment successfully completed 69 out of 70 welds, providing valuable insights into the effects of microgravity and lunar gravity on the welding process.
The project involves collaboration among undergraduate and graduate students, professors, and engineers from multiple NASA centers. It also utilizes a portable vacuum chamber developed by NASA's Langley Research Center to facilitate testing.
Previous welding experiments in space date back to the Skylab mission in 1973. The current research is essential not only for future space missions but also for improving welding techniques on Earth, with potential applications across various industries.
This effort is funded by NASA's Research and Development funds, the Science Mission Directorate, and the Space Technology Mission Directorate.