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Starfall Manufacturing Drugs In Space
Another of Elon Musk's futuristic schemes has a at least an eighty year old history in science fiction!
As predicted by science fiction! The 'factory in the sky' from the short story "Factory in the Sky", by Basil E. Wells, published by Astonishing Stories in 1941! https://t.co/GrQac4Dswt
— Bill Christensen (@Technovelgy) November 2, 2026
This reference comes from Factory in the Sky by Basil E. Wells, published by Astonishing Stories in 1941.
The vast spinning sphere of Factory in the Sky loomed above and ahead of us, gleaming white against the unfathomable jet depths of surrounding space. About the thirty-odd miles of The Factory’s circumference, anchored securely to its vast metallic skin, were spaced a score or more smaller half-spheres where experimental, executive, production, personnal [sic], advertising and various other departments had their headquarters.
I have a number of other articles about different ideas for space manufacturing:
- The Dawn Of Orbiting Manufacturing In 2020?
- First 3D Printer In Space?
- Students! NASA Wants To 3D Print Your Tool Design In Space!
- Jeff Bezos Wants Orbiting Factories (Clarke-style)
- Archinaut Orbiting Robotic Factory
- Made In Space To Manufacture Optical Fiber In Orbit
- Orbital Manufacturer 'Made in Space' Gets $73 Million NASA Contract
- 3D Printed 'Blisk' Manufactured In Orbit
- Space Construction Tools For Large Structures By OAC
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 9/9/2026)
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Related News Stories - (" Manufacturing ")
Starfall Manufacturing Drugs In Space
'The vast spinning sphere of Factory in the Sky loomed above and ahead of us, gleaming white against the unfathomable jet depths of surrounding space.' - Basil Wells, 1941.
'Maybe The Woman Of Your Life Is Still Under Production'
'The Dillard people had performed a miracle and put all the works in a girl-modeled case.' - Lester del Rey, 1938.
Factories In The Sky Will Surpass Those Of Earth
'The thirty-odd miles of The Factory’s circumference...' - Basil E. Wells, 1941.
Monolith One Giant Industrial Metal 3D-printer
'The object seemed melted together like wax — nothing was distinguishable.' - Philip K. Dick, 1956.
Technovelgy (that's tech-novel-gee!) is devoted to the creative science inventions and ideas of sf authors. Look for the Invention Category that interests you, the Glossary, the Invention Timeline, or see what's New.
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