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The frontier of space manufacturing also saw exciting progress. In June, VAA Space Industries launched a "space factory" that autonomously produced an HIV drug while orbiting Earth. This represents a potential revolution in how medicines and materials are manufactured, leveraging the unique environment of space.
However, despite this promising achievement, the space factory is currently stuck in Earth orbit. According to the startup, it is facing difficulties in securing clearance for landing from the U.S. government. If these hurdles can be overcome, such in-space manufacturing facilities could drastically reduce costs, enable rapid production of pharmaceuticals, and open new horizons for industrial activities beyond our planet.