Summary - 2026 Manufacturing Problem Prevention Program

This will be the 40th Manufacturing Problem Prevention Meeting (MP3) at The Aerospace Corporation. The MP3 Program has proven to be a valuable resource for both the Space Force and their contractors. The MP3 meeting enables an exchange of information between Space Systems Command and the contractor community on ways to prevent problems and minimize schedule and cost impacts on space programs. The MP3 program has evolved in recent years to focus predominately on new manufacturing technologies including evolving additive techniques, the process controls necessary for their use, and the opportunities of inserting these new evolving technologies into SSC missions as enablers for future requirements. These include new low-cost propulsion systems and structures for In-Space Manufacturing (ISM). Briefings will be presented by representatives from The Aerospace Corporation, SSC, Space Force Contractors, DOE, NASA, NRO, material suppliers, and local universities.

This year's agenda will include:

Elozor Plotke, KBR, Inc., Common In-Space Assembly Interface Standardization Framework for the United States Space Force
Catherine Venturini, The Aerospace Corporation, DiskSat Demo Mission and Early On-Orbit Performance
Andrew O’Connor, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, In-Space Welding at NASA: Recent Progress and Continuing Needs
Keng Hsu, Arizona State University, Ultrasonic AM – Resonance Assisted Deposition
Mehran Tehrani, University of California San Diego, In-Space Manufacturing and Assembly of Thermoplastic Composites
John Newman, Laser Technology Inc., NDT of Gateway Power and Propulsion Element
Nick Patz, Patz Materials and Technologies, Thin Braided composites for deployable structures
Clem Hiel, Composite Support & Solutions Inc., Capabilities of Composites for Space Structures
John Garnier, Advanced Ceramic Fibers, High-Performance Low-Cost Carbon-based Fibers for Space and Hypersonic Applications
Benjamin Rupp, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, NASA In-Space Manufacturing Programs

Identification:

All visitors must have current government issued photo identification for admission into The Aerospace Corporation facilities. Acceptable ID includes: a government issued driver's license, identification card or a U.S. passport. Photocopies are not accepted.

Prohibition Against Harassment and Retaliation

Please review the Prohibition Against Harassment and Retaliation policy.

Your attendance and participation at today's event is consent to be photographed and/or video-recorded for use by The Aerospace Corporation for internal and external (public) use. If you do not wish to be captured in photo or video formats, please inform the security officer and/or the event organizer at the check in desk. Attendees are not permitted to take photos of video during workshop session.

For additional registration details, please contact the workshop registrar at techworkshops@aero.org