ACEIZE Tracking the current state of Science and Technology

An auspicious beginning. The smooth metallic sphere circumscribed with cylindical ports looks like something out of a Victorian flash back or a steam-punk comic book. But it is the invention of Jacques Guigne, and it is called Space-DRUMS. Space-DRUMS (Dynamically Responding Ultrasonic Matrix System) uses sound waves to manipulate materials. The use of sound waves means that the material being handled does not come in contact with the container, or any manipulative devices. This means that Space-DRUMS can create 100% pure materials and manipulate those materials into needed shapes.

On earth this process can create samples in the millimeter size range. But, this process works even better in zero gravity, where energy is not needed to levitate the sample. Our friend Jacques also knows this, and is sending his Space-DRUMS to live on the International Space Station. It is estimated that in a zero gravity environment, the samples will be able to reach the size of golf balls or baseballs.

The first materials produced are likely to be semi-conductors. The sale price is estimated to be in the "hundreds of thousands of dollars".

As far as I am aware, this is the first space-based commercial manufacturing operation. Assuming the Space-DRUMS gets into orbit before Virgin-Galatic's tourists, this could also be the first privately owned enterprise in space, too.