Greg Jimmerson

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About

Dr. Greg Jimmerson is a pioneering aerospace engineer whose research focuses on in-space manufacturing, on-orbit construction, and large-scale space systems architecture. His most influential work, "SpiderFab: Process for On-Orbit Construction of Kilometer-Scale Apertures" (2018), fundamentally challenges traditional spacecraft deployment paradigms by proposing autonomous fabrication and assembly of structural components directly in orbit. This Phase II investigation demonstrated the feasibility of building kilometer-scale apertures—such as antennas and telescopes—that would be impossible to launch pre-assembled. With 16 citations, this foundational paper has shaped subsequent NASA and DARPA studies on autonomous space construction. Jimmerson's contributions extend to developing the robotic tools and additive manufacturing processes necessary for orbital fabrication, potentially reducing launch mass and enabling previously unattainable scientific missions. His work represents a critical step toward sustainable space infrastructure, where spacecraft can self-assemble and repair, dramatically expanding humanity's reach beyond Earth. For students and researchers, Jimmerson's research offers a compelling vision of how manufacturing technologies will transform space exploration from resource-constrained launches to adaptive, in-situ construction.