Thu Jan 23 07:31:55 UTC 2025: ## IIT Madras’ ExTeM Centre Aims for “Making in Space” Revolution
**Chennai, January 23, 2025** – The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) Extraterrestrial Manufacturing (ExTeM) centre, recently highlighted in Prime Minister Modi’s “Mann Ki Baat” address, is pioneering technologies for future space settlements. Researchers from diverse disciplines are developing construction infrastructure, 3D printing tools, and methods for extracting materials crucial for sustainable lunar and Martian exploration.
Leveraging the institute’s microgravity drop tower – the fourth largest operational facility globally – ExTeM is conducting experiments to explore the unique benefits of microgravity. This includes producing superior materials like crystal-free optical fibers and high-quality diamonds, with applications both in space and on Earth. The centre is also studying the behaviour of microbes in microgravity.
ExTeM’s work focuses on two key areas: “Making in space for space,” involving developing advanced techniques like 3D printing and in-situ resource utilization for constructing lunar habitats and spacecraft parts; and “Making in space for Earth,” utilizing microgravity to produce superior materials for applications such as next-generation quantum computing chips and bioprinting of human implants. The challenges of self-weight that hinder Earth-based bioprinting are overcome in microgravity, enabling the creation of intricate structures like artificial heart capillaries.
The centre plans a battery of microgravity tests using various platforms, from drop towers and parabolic flights to potentially suborbital flights. By harnessing resources like lunar regolith and Martian soil, ExTeM aims to reduce reliance on Earth-based supply chains, thus lowering costs and payload requirements for space exploration. The initiative is a significant step towards advancing India’s space 2.0 ambitions and broadening access to space for various industries.
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