Center for In-Space Manufacturing
Center for In-Space Manufacturing
Purdue University proudly announces the launch of the Center for In-Space Manufacturing (CISM), the nation’s first dedicated hub for developing resilient, adaptive, and certifiable in-situ manufacturing capabilities for space. This milestone announcement coincides with the month of October for the National Manufacturing Day 2025 and World Space Week 2025, highlighting Purdue’s leadership at the intersection of advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and national security.
CISM is directed by Ajay Malshe, R. Eugene and Susie E. Goodson Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering and co-pioneer of the vision for factories-in-space.
What is CISM? CISM is the nation’s first center dedicated to enabling the fabrication, repair, and reconfiguration of mission-critical systems directly in space, in orbit, on the lunar surface, and during deep-space missions. It integrates advanced additive, hybrid, and autonomous manufacturing technologies to deliver operational resilience, reducing dependence on fragile Earth-space and in-space supply chains.
Why CISM? Space exploration and defense require systems that can adapt and endure in contested and extreme environments. By ensuring mission assurance and supply chain resilience, CISM turns fragility into flexibility. It builds on Purdue’s extensive aerospace legacy and the strengths of the Manufacturing and Materials Research Laboratories (MMRL) and eXcellence in Manufacturing and Operations (XMO), laying the groundwork for future U.S. leadership in both space and terrestrial manufacturing. Purdue’s Manufacturing and Supply Chain is the nation’s leading program.
Who will lead CISM? CISM will be guided by Purdue’s world-class faculty, engineers, and scientists, working closely with industry, government, and defense partners. Students and researchers will play a crucial role in supporting workforce development for the Space 2.0 economy.
Who are the sponsors? Projects at CISM are supported by the U.S. Space Force, NASA, NSF, NIST and industry leaders, making it a dual-use platform that advances national defense readiness, deep-space exploration, and commercial competitiveness.
Impact: CISM positions Purdue University at the forefront of the manufacturing-in-space revolution, reinforcing its role as a national leader in innovation, resilience, and economic opportunity.
Contact: Ajay P. Malshe, amalshe@purdue.edu