Cost Drivers for Space-Based Manufacturing

Example: ASI Model 6LMOX tank:

CH4/LOX tank for Mars surface - LMO

1500kg “orbit taxi”

12 hours of production / finishing;

Marginal Tank cost: $270K

with present realities.

Cost Drivers Present Cost-Reduction Strategy

1) Material cost: $4000 /kg. Lunar mining & mass-driver

2) Operation cost: $17,000 /hr. Automation & learning curve