As the Artemis II capsule flies past the Moon, innovation is once again coming from NASA.
For many years, advances have focused on improving life on Earth through better products, smarter systems and faster processes, but as technology accelerates rapidly and ambitions extend beyond our earthly boundaries, the question is no longer. yes we can successfully innovate off-planet, however like. Therefore, it is critical to consider what hurdles innovators must clear to develop and implement successful technologies intended for use in extraterrestrial environments as we all prepare for what lies ahead.
The road to these developments is paved with innovative technologies and improvements to existing innovations. To fully realize a future with long-term settlements beyond Earth, we must reevaluate many aspects of our lives, from improved transportation systems and infrastructure to the important “creature comforts” we may be able to implement in extraterrestrial settlements. While many innovations in space development are still in their infancy, innovative companies are already struggling to establish footprints in fields that, in the not-so-distant past, would have seemed more suited to a thrilling sci-fi movie.
Space-based research to develop medical advances continues, and new industries, such as asteroid mining and material extraction, are on the horizon. This means that innovators are currently tackling extraordinary challenges, such as effectively planning and conducting experiments, transmitting data and other discoveries, operating machinery remotely, and transporting specimens safely to Earth, among others.
All of these tasks are considerable undertakings, but they are laying the foundations for a thriving extraterrestrial economy and sustainable space innovation.
Everyday life considerations for early explorers
So what happens when we develop settlements on the Moon or anywhere else in outer space? These early explorers will likely face many challenges that will not be realized until they begin establishing their desired outposts. But we can already predict that the everyday creature comforts we enjoy on Earth won’t be possible in outer space, at least not exactly as we know them today.
Daily hygiene and healthy practices such as brushing our teeth, preparing food, absorbing adequate nutrition, exercising, taking medication, and sleeping soundly without interruption may need to be adjusted in an extraterrestrial environment. While many of these things are so routine in our lives that we can take for granted how easy it is to do them, this is probably not the case when people are out of their comfort zones.
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Creative manufacturers are already considering these needs and how to deliver them to the residents and visitors of outer space. The products will have to be adjusted for life outside the Earth’s atmosphere, but the packaging and delivery mechanisms of our reference products will also have to be adapted.
Applying toothpaste to a toothbrush will present challenges in a low-gravity environment. Closed systems must be created to ensure that things are generally easy for the human population.
Astronauts regularly face these kinds of problems (as we saw with the malfunctioning Artemis II zero-gravity toilet), and some solutions have already been designed for them, but we’ll need large-scale systems that work for the general population.
Let’s face it, the effort should be easy: humans who enjoy modern technology and life in outer space aren’t going to suddenly want to employ a five-step process to put their toothpaste on a toothbrush!
Innovation challenges
Manufacturers face unique challenges when designing and developing systems and products for use in space and for those intended to be manufactured.
Key questions arise: How do we extract and process materials capable of serving as structural components in space? Would importing raw materials from Earth be more efficient, or would we have to build manufacturing platforms in extraterrestrial environments? Could prefabricated structures be delivered and assembled in space, and if so, how can we ensure their structural integrity in a microgravity environment? And perhaps most importantly, how do we keep everything firmly in place when gravity is no longer a constant? Solving these challenges requires rethinking traditional manufacturing processes and pushing the limits of engineering innovation.
Innovative manufacturers are concerned not only with the actual development of their products, but also with properly testing them here on Earth to ensure they perform as they should in different environments. How can we effectively test performance and effectiveness in micro and zero-gravity environments? Methods are being developed to ensure the stability of these intended products and processes.
Efficient travel to these locations will present another set of unique challenges. Given the significant distances to these settlements (along with the potential need for return trips), more robust propulsion systems must be developed. Some companies are building and developing rockets to make space transportation more efficient and less expensive, but we will also need vehicles that can safely and efficiently transfer large, heavy payloads.
The role of intellectual property in innovation
Of course, when an inventor develops something here on Earth, he can apply for and obtain patent protection, which gives him the right to prevent others from making, using, or selling the claimed invention. Part of the reasoning and motivation behind this granting of the right to exclude others is to encourage and encourage further innovation by allowing the public to access the innovations detailed in the patent.
In outer space construction, companies seeking to innovate in these extraterrestrial environments should and likely will receive patent protection to prevent others from making, using, or selling their patented invention. This in turn will encourage innovation and encourage companies to plant their flag early and try to claim various products, systems and manufacturing methods.
However, the law still hasn’t exactly caught up. Many legal unknowns exist about how extraterrestrial patent protection will develop, and there are even more questions about how it might apply to outer space.
Truly innovative companies, including the household brands you know and love, don’t expect these answers. As evidenced by their patents at the US Patent and Trademark Office, we know that they are already innovating with the expectation of some intellectual property protection, whether here on Earth or in space.
The new space race is here, and it’s already pretty competitive. While the general public may not yet see the full picture, companies are already positioning themselves for control of innovative technologies in this uncharted environment. Those who dare to innovate boldly, tackle unanswered questions and invest early will reap significant long-term benefits, from intellectual property protection and market dominance to reputational impact and public trust. Being seen as a pioneer in space manufacturing is not just a technological achievement; it’s about securing your place as a leader for future generations. The future of space belongs to those who dare to act now, so buckle up, jump in and get ready to lead the way.
Jonathan C. Hughley is a partner, patent attorney, and chair of the mechanical and industrial technologies practice at the Chicago-based intellectual property law firm Marshall Gerstein. It helps manufacturers and other innovators in various technology sectors protect their intellectual property. He can be contacted at jhughley@marshallip.com.
