ESA
3D Printing in Space Takes Off with Metal Printer Installation on ISS.
The making as a 3D metal printer is delivered to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Cygnus NG-20 resupply mission, marking the world’s first attempt to print metal parts in space. This monumental achievement, facilitated by the European Space Agency (ESA) ash astronaut Andreas Mogensen will install the 180kg metal 3D printer, a testament to human ingenuity and technological innovation, in the ESA’s Columbus module. Once operational, the printer will be remotely controlled from Earth, laying the groundwork for autonomous printing operations in the microgravity environment of space.
The successful implementation of metal 3D printing in orbit holds immense promise for the future of space exploration. Scientists anticipate that this groundbreaking technology will revolutionize space manufacturing, enabling the production of vital components and tools directly in space. This capability will streamline space missions and reduce reliance on Earth-bound supply chains. Aligned with the ESA’s vision for sustainable space development, the metal 3D printer represents a crucial step towards establishing a circular space economy. By recycling materials in orbit and manufacturing resources on-demand, space agencies aim to optimize resource utilization and minimize waste, paving the way for long-term space exploration and habitation.
The implications of metal 3D printing in space extend beyond manufacturing convenience. With the ability to print essential components from recycled materials, astronauts can repurpose existing resources and extend the lifespan of space infrastructure. This transformative technology opens doors to unprecedented opportunities for innovation and exploration.
As the metal 3D printer takes place aboard the ISS, humanity ventures closer to realizing the dream of sustained space exploration. With each technological advancement, we inch closer to the stars, propelled by our relentless pursuit of knowledge and discovery.
Paulina Okunytė. Journalist. 3D printer arrives to space to recycle garbage.
This entry was posted in "Green Printing: Sustainable Materials for Eco-Friendly Additive Manufacturing in 3D Printing" and tagged 3D Printing in Space Takes Off with Metal Printer Installation on ISS, Circular economy, ESA, International Space Station, Metal Printing, Space Manufacturing, Space Technology.
3D-Printing a lunar base
According to European Space Agency, ESA, “Could astronauts one day be printing rather than building a base on the Moon? In 2013 ESA, working with industrial partners, proved that 3D printing using lunar material was feasible in principle. Since then, work continues to investigate the technique. The shielding against radiation provided by a 3D-printed block of simulated lunar regolith was measured, providing important inputs for next-stage designs.”
According to ESA(Now),” astronaut Luca Parmitano has arrived on the International Space Station following a six-hour flight in the Russian Soyuz MS-13 spacecraft alongside NASA astronaut Drew Morgan and Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Skvortsov.”
From comments,
Four years ago
This is all good, except the “3d printing material” should be the regolith itself melted by focused solar energy. This way, the printers could print an inexhaustible™ supply of infrastructure from roads to sinks to rail-launch systems. You would want one specialized printer to print things that can’t be made from regolith. (control circuits, actuators, etc.)
I hope NASA and ESA team up to explore the rest of our solar system and beyond.
Three Years ago
Excellent, would be able to put an observatory on the moon and make it a refuel station for further travel and a backup for rescue if needed also can make a shipbuilding/repair station safer so launches don’t have to fight the gravity and atmosphere burn up, can also make a relay station put a full array of satellites on the moon.
It would be simpler and cheaper to ship high explosives to the moon and use them to excavate a cylindrical chamber into the side of a large crater (like building a tunnel on Earth) and then seal off the end, pressurize, and occupy. Much roomier, more protection from radiation and meteor impacts. This 3-D printer idea is dull and uninspiring.
This is potentially great news. I hope one day we can live in space or on the moon.
Now
2019: HASSEL wants to print a 3D Mars base.
Why 3D printing could be key to a Moon base, ESA’s Purpose, MEET ASTRONAUT LUCA PARMITANO
This entry was posted in "Additive Manufacturing DIY Projects: Elevating Home & Lifestyle with 3D Printing", "Artistic Expressions: 3D/4D Printing's Impact on Souvenirs and Savings", "Evolution of Printing Technologies: Celebrating the Emergence of 3D/4D/5D Printing with Insights and Community Events", "Guidelines, Regulations, and SV3DPrinter.com Policy on Additive Manufacturing.", "Optimizing Patient Treatment with Additive Manufacturing: Exploring 3D Printing in Healthcare" and tagged 3D-printing a lunar base, BBC, Beyond launch and docking highlights, ESA, European Space Agency, Luca Parmitano, NASA, Noordwijk, the Netherlands, Videos for broadcasters Biografia italiana di Luca Parmitano Beyond blog.
