Nowadays, space structures have a significant limit in dimensions and logistics, by virtue of the fact that they are made up of different modules, each of which is made entirely on Earth. Due to the bounded size of space launchers, a single module can’t physically be larger than a certain limit, resulting in narrow tunnel-shaped structures, which are scarcely habitable and rather uncomfortable.

Our goal is to introduce a way to design larger space architectures without the necessity of a huge number of launches to bring all the components together, which would result in remarkable cost growth, making the project unaffordable and unrealizable. 

Smart Reticulum is a sphere-shaped netted framework covered with panels and internally divided into multiple environments, adaptable to various needs, from scientific research and observation to commercial aims such as building a space hotel. Both the external structure and the internal walls and floors are made of the same reticular pattern.

One of the key points is that Smart Reticulum is manufactured with an innovative “smart material”, which provides the possibility of varying the geometry to fit a large segment of the structure into the limited space of a rocket ogive. In fact, Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) have the property of reverting to their original shape through thermic variations. This allows us to arrange the material in the launcher in the most convenient way to save room. 

Each launch carries a certain segment of the Smart Reticulum, so the next step is assembling each new section to the previous ones, which are already in orbit.

The connection between the two segments consists of two phases. The first one is a preliminary docking, which uses magnetic endings embedded in each segment. In order to avoid any kind of magnetic disturbance when the SMA is deformed, each module is equipped with a proximity sensor, which activates the electromagnetic field only in the approach phase, once the piece is recognized. The second stage has the aim of sealing the two sections together permanently. A cart carrying a 3D printer connected to a robotic arm advances along the reticular surface and fastens all the junctures by adding material. 

The final procedure is “covering the skeleton with skin”, in other words, creating and applying external panels to the framework. This procedure is carried out directly on-site using raw material shipped from Earth and the above-mentioned 3D printers and robotic arms. 

In conclusion, the main advantages of the Smart Reticulum project are:

-a fully automated process with no human intervention;

-the possibility of building larger and more spacious structures;

-a remarkable cost reduction, which improves the feasibility of the mission.