The Welding Institute (TWI) and the University of Leicester are developing the United Kingdom’s first robot-mounted arc welding system for in-space repair and orbital manufacturing through the ISPARK project. Funded by the UK Space Agency’s National Space Innovation Programme, the collaboration aims to overcome the challenges of welding in microgravity and vacuum conditions by creating a space-qualified, autonomous arc welding system. “Applying advanced welding technologies to the challenges of space is a natural extension of our expertise,” said Nick Ludford, TWI section manager. The project supports the U.K.’s national space strategy and the ISAM roadmap commitment to in-space servicing, assembly and manufacturing.