The Integrally Stiffened Cylinder (ISC) Process is a new and revolutionary manufacturing technique that could drastically reduce the cost of fabricating rocket structural hardware. Specifically, the adaption of a commercial automotive process will enable us to make future large rocket fuel tanks, like the External Tank of the retired Space Shuttle, which are greener, safer, and lighter. Both US industry and ESA have invested in ISC development. Plans are in place to bring this technology from Germany to the US after we successfully demonstrate the ISC process at the 10 ft. diameter scale in spring 2017.
More »