ThinkOribital's spherical structure would allow manufacturing in space with the help of a robotic arm. (Image Credit: ThinkOrbital)
ThinkOrbital wants to develop and deploy an orbital platform called ThinkPlatform for product manufacturing and space junk removal/recycling in space. Once complete, ThinkPlatform serves as a free-flying, non-pressurized platform operating with a larger station or docking with a spacecraft.
In 2021, NASA denied ThinkOrbit's proposal for a commercial space station. The space agency ended up rewarding $415.6 million to Northrop Gruman, Blue Origin, and Nanoracks for space station concepts. ThinkOrbital's latest low-earth orbital concept could be more feasible.
The company plans to use a robotic arm to build the platform in space. However, the technology to tackle this task requires modifications for autonomous functionality. The goal here is to manufacture fiber optics, high-speed computer chips, or pharmaceutical products for the private and public sectors. In addition, the platform could deploy satellites that harvest space debris, which could get deorbited or transformed into spacecraft fuel.
Recently, ThinkOrbital acquired two $260,000 research contracts via the U.S. Space Force Orbital Prime's program for manufacturing and assembly in space. Private companies want to go into low-earth orbit, adopting commercial activity in space, such as manufacturing and space tourism.
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