Space Logistics Presents Unique Challenges. We’re Here to Solve Them
Space exploration has been ramping up to a fever pitch over the past few years, and the capabilities are expanding faster than we can imagine. Keeping up with the capabilities of modern space exploration is a full time occupation, and one that Greenwood Aerospace is proud to be at the forefront of.
Let’s take a look at the unique challenges that space logistics poses, and what it means for the future of space exploration.
The Unique Nature of Space Logistics
One of the most difficult things about what we are doing is figuring out how to manage space logistics challenges. The unique nature of space exploration necessitates a radical solution to keep the logistics chain in good working order. When the cost to ship parts to space is several thousand dollars per pound (it was about $10,000 per pound in the space shuttle era), the logistics considerations need to be dead on.
Not to mention, you can’t just have a rocket dispatched anytime you need something in space; there are minimum payload requirements and the delivery won’t be made until those are met.
Distance and Time Constraints
One of the first considerations for the future of space logistics lies in the future of the mission profiles themselves. The longer these space exploration and scientific research missions stretch out to, the harder the logistics considerations become.
Also, there is the topic of time. The farther a space mission gets from Earth, the harder and longer it will take for supplies to reach it in space. One solution that will surely be put into service will be the extensive use of additive manufacturing (3D printing) to produce parts on demand. But not everything can be produced on demand, so overcoming space transportation limitations will be a high priority.
How can you compress the time from a supply request to a delivery? This is the question that logisticians are wrestling with, and the solutions might not even exist yet, although there certainly are a few tools at our disposal that will help.
Autonomous spacecraft and AI can and will handle taskings without real-time human to human communications with earth. This will substantially reduce the impact of long signal relays. Also, AI-driven systems will manage inventories, repairs, and most of the logistics process which highly reduces the likelihood of human error.
Pro-positioning supplies at supply depots or space logistics hubs in strategic locations will also be key to reducing demand on Earth-based resupply missions.
Space Environment Hazards
There are some very real hazards to the space supply chain. For one, where do space based logistics hubs reside? Will they be floating in space permanently? Or would they be on the moon?
There is a very real possibility of mini-meteor strikes in space, and just the overall hardships of equipment being in such a harsh and unforgiving environment for years on end. But on the bright side, these supply depots will likely be completely unmanned and fully automated.
Challenges in Space Supply Chain Management
We know there will be some real challenges to tackle and overcome in space supply chain management, but we also know that modern tools will ease the transition. Planning and proper resupply will be the saving grace of future space missions.
Transportation Limitations
The high costs of launching payloads. Limited availability of transport options. The biggest challenge by far to establishing a reliable supply chain is the cost and limitations of transportation. We talked about this earlier in the article, but the cost of shipping to space is extremely high. Even if Elon Musk is able to get the cost to less than $1,000 per pound, that is still quite high. But it is also a matter of supply and demand. Private entities will not generate a rocket mission if there is not sufficient demand to warrant it.
Overcoming the Challenges with Innovative Solutions
So, what can be done to overcome the fairly significant curve on space logistics? The answer lies in technology, including ones we have already tapped into in the aerospace industry. In fact, we have tapped into these with our proprietary Greenwood Parts Intelligence Program (GPIQ).
Autonomous and AI-Driven Systems
The key to reliable supply and logistics in space exploration lies in automation. Using advanced tech like AI and machine learning will allow logistics systems to very accurately predict supply demands. This has already been in practice for some time now in all kinds of different areas of aerospace, but it will be perfected for space travel. AI-enhanced decision making for supply chain efficiency is going to be the way ahead, but it doesn’t end there.
Robotic delivery systems, much like SpaceX’s Dragon, and other future space cargo vehicles will be paramount in maintaining a consistent and reliable supply chain for space travel. These systems, many of which don’t even exist yet, will be programmed to navigate space, dock with orbiting stations or landing zones, and offload cargo, ensuring smooth logistics in space.
3D Printing and On-Demand Manufacturing
The easiest way to reduce the demand on resupply craft is to make things in space. That way you pay to ship the tools and a sufficient amount of building materials, and then you can sharply reduce the dependence on resupply missions.
And the farther out space vehicles get from earth, the harder it is to hit resupplies anyway. Of course, as space exploration expands, the amount of supply depots and logistics hubs in space will increase, but that is a long way off.
In the meantime, 3D printing and other forms of on-demand manufacturing will be the best way to bridge the gap.
In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU)
The long game of space based logistics lies in using resources available in space (like extracting water from the Moon or Mars, for instance). This will be vital to reduce the demand for transporting everything from Earth. ISRU can supply oxygen, water, and even building materials for long missions, minimizing dependency on Earth.
Parting Thoughts
While far from a comprehensive study on all of the things that will make the supply chain more reliable, self-sustaining, and most importantly, timely. When systems don’t work in space, there aren’t any second chances. No alternate landing sites or opportunities to refuel.
Using advanced tech is one of the most obvious solutions, and it won’t look all that different than what we use for our GPIQ program to help our customers procure exactly what they need, when they need it.