Contract signed to develop REV1 space factory

News

Thales Alenia Space and Space Cargo Unlimited have signed a first phase contract for the conception and production of ‘REV1’, the first floating space factory.

Thales Alenia Space

As project contractor, Thales Alenia Space will be responsible for the design, engineering, and development of the REV1 vehicle. Space Cargo Unlimited will be the owner and commercial operator of the vehicle.

“By taking a central place in new space initiatives and teaming up with innovative start-ups willing to take on new challenges, Thales Alenia Space is proud to embark on a new adventure that highlights the growing strategic importance of the space sector,” said Massimo Comparini, chairman and Deputy CEO and SEVP of Observation, Exploration, and Navigation at Thales Alenia Space.

Space Cargo Unlimited plans to operate a fleet of autonomous cargo vehicles capable of returning to Earth to exploit the potential of microgravity for commercial applications on Earth.

The REV1 pressurised vehicle will be used for specific missions, particularly in the fields of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and new materials. REV1 will be able to create unique laboratory conditions and real clean rooms essential for this type of research and manufacturing.

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