Vision on Space Factory

Space Manufacturing Technology is one of the core capabilities for human space exploration, and the new engine of space economy. Microgravity environments improves crystallization by reducing gravity driven convective effects and eliminating sedimentation. In 2025, the World Economic Forum selected it as one of the 12 transformative technologies to reshape future space missions. The main research objective of space manufacturing is to find solutions to achieve the best structural and functional properties during the shaping process under the space environment. Hence, the researchers need to integrate advanced materials, additive manufacturing, interfacial science, and automation in a strongly interdisciplinary framework. This presentation will give attendees with actionable insights on future space factory to manufacture better products in space and how to benefit both space exploration and industries on Earth.

Prof. Dr. Gong WANG, Head of the Centre for Space Manufacturing Technology

Dr. Gong Wang is Professor and Director of the Space Manufacturing Technology Laboratory at the Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CSU/CAS). He is the founding director of the CAS Key Laboratory of Space Manufacturing Technology.

Since 2014, Dr. Wang initiated a new lab focusing on Space Manufacturing Technology. His team was the first in China implemented the experiment of 3D printing in microgravity in 2016. In 2017, his lab was formally named as the CAS Key Laboratory of Space Manufacturing Technology (SMT). Since then, SMT implemented a series of innovative experiments in microgravity and in space. In 2020, SMT successfully completed the world’s first on-orbit 3D printing of ceramics on China’s new-generation crewed spacecraft. Now, Dr. Wang and his team is preparing the first 3D printer “Space Additive Manufacturing Experiment, SAME” for Chinese Space Station. Besides the research works for space, Dr. Wang has strong interests in transferring advanced manufacturing technologies for industrial applications. His team has developed 3D printing process and equipment for ceramics including Silica-Carbide, Zirconia, Silicon-Nitride etc. and widely collaborated with industries.