UF students are bending metal with lasers to build massive structures in orbit

UF engineers, backed by DARPA and NASA, are perfecting laser-forming techniques that let metal sheets fold themselves into giant solar arrays, antennas, and even space-station parts right in orbit—sidestepping rocket size limits and paving the way for sustainable off-Earth construction.

source https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/07/250701020719.htm