Molten metal dispensing systems and methods for additive manufacturing in space

A kit for manufacturing a structure, the kit comprising:

• an inflatable bladder having an internal wall configured to define an internal space when the bladder is inflated;
• a structural liner configured to be attached to the internal wall of the inflatable bladder;
• and
• a molten metal dispensing system configured to deposit a metallic structural shell on the structural liner by moving the molten metal dispensing system over the structural liner, the molten metal dispensing system including a channel configured to hold a metal bar, a heater configured to melt a portion of the metal bar, and an actuator configured to apply a force to the metal bar to dispense the melted portion of the metal bar.

A structure comprising:

• an inflatable bladder having an internal wall configured to define an internal space when inflated;
• a structural liner coupled to the internal wall of the inflatable bladder;
• and
• a metallic structural shell deposited by a molten metal dispensing system, the molten metal dispensing system including a channel configured to hold a metal bar, a heater configured to melt a portion of the metal bar, and an actuator configured to apply a force to the metal bar to dispense the melted portion of the metal bar.