December 2020
Case
HBS Case Collection

Made In Space, Expectations Management, and the Business of In-Space Manufacturing

By: Matthew C. Weinzierl and Mehak Sarang

Format:Print
| Language:English
| Pages:25

Abstract

After having proven its base technology (3D printing) through NASA solicitations and contracts, Made In Space was searching for a viable commercial application. But the business case for the leading candidate, high-quality fiber optic cable for use on Earth, remained uncertain. In 2019, Made In Space secured a major contract from NASA for early work on a much grander project, called Archinaut, to build architectures in space that would enable off-Earth habitation. Was that opportunity a more promising path for Made In Space, or did its ambition risk distracting Made In Space from its more managed, incremental strategy? Which strategy would enable MIS to retain its central place in facilitating the development of the space economy?

Keywords

Aerospace; Space; Space Economy; 3d Printing; Manufacturing; Public-private Partnership; Partners And Partnerships; Strategy; Business And Government Relations; Aerospace Industry; Manufacturing Industry

Citation

Weinzierl, Matthew C., and Mehak Sarang. "Made In Space, Expectations Management, and the Business of In-Space Manufacturing." Harvard Business School Case 721-025, December 2020.