Erikas Kymantas, along with his teammate Jake Ward from the University of Bristol, emerged victorious in the annual Airbus Space competition, showcasing their groundbreaking in-space assembly concept. Their innovative approach to manufacturing holds immense potential for future space endeavours, encompassing projects like space hotels, solar stations, and large satellites.
Conventional spacecraft manufacturing, deployment, and launch methods are inadequate in meeting the demands posed by the rapid advancement of space technologies, the surging need for space missions, and the scale of said projects. To address these challenges, the utilisation of in-space assembly technologies has become seemingly paramount. Such methods are enabling the construction of vast space structures whilst reducing overall operational costs.
Erikas and Jake were initially tasked with presenting a vision for an in-space assembly project with a feasible timeline of realisation dated to 2040. Their winning concept, known as ‘Astra Lattice,’ encompasses a flexible in-space, in-orbit assembly architecture that provides an end-to-end solution. This scaffold-like framework possesses the capabilities to receive pre-packaged components, autonomously sort and assemble them using robotic arms, and release a fully constructed space structure. Moreover, the concept incorporates self-maintenance, real-time data-driven decision-making, on-site verification, and learning capabilities. While human interaction from the ground would complement day-to-day tasks, it would not be relied upon as the primary method of operation.
When asked to reflect on the competition, Erikas expressed his enjoyment in delving deep into the future of space missions, which play a pivotal role in an increasingly significant sector of society. He described the development of a winning concept that directly aligns with ongoing research calls from ESA and NASA as an incredible experience, leading to numerous captivating conversations and opportunities.
This success of the Astra Lattice idea stems from its emphasis on avoiding space debris, conducting concurrent assemblies, and its potential for near-full autonomy in the future. The flexibility of the Astra Lattice enables it to cater to a diverse customer base, encompassing ambitious projects such as space telescopes, space-based solar power arrays/stations, commercial enterprises seeking cost reductions through in-space assembly, as well as the scientific research community, providing a platform for prototype trials.
Following their triumph at Airbus’ Defence and Space headquarters in Stevenage, Erikas and his team were invited to present their idea at the National Student Space Conference 2023, further solidifying their recognition and creating additional opportunities for collaborations and knowledge sharing.
