After the first successful 3D-printed car made its debut in Chicago, NASA is set to follow suit. The latest reports state that the International Space Station is set to receive its first NASA 3D printing. What use will it be out in space?
The first ever NASA 3D printing will be sent to Space X by Sunday at 2 a.m. on a resupply mission. According to NASA, 3D printing will be used to create replacement tools and part on board the space station. This is the first time that NASA and its' astronauts on ISS is set to get their hands on a 3D printer.
In addition to the NASA 3D printing for replacement tools and parts, astronauts on board will conduct study and research on space 3D printing. In addition, astronauts will also study how such process of 3D printing is possible in zero gravity.
The NASA 3D printing plan was initially scheduled on Saturday. It was rescheduled due to the poor weather conditions. The 3D printer was designed by the start-up company, Made in Space. They had designed the 3D printer especially functional in zero gravity alongside NASA. The NASA 3D printer was first tested on approximately 400 flights on Earth. This had simulated an environment of microgravity before the launch.
In addition to the NASA 3D printing study and research in zero gravity, astronauts on board will also study the mechanism of recycling. This is so excess plastic may be reused for the 3D printer.
"The on-demand capability can revolutionize the constrained supply chain model we are limited to today and will be critical for exploration missions," stated Manager of NASA's project, "3D Printing in Zero-G," Niki Werkheiser, at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
The start-up, Made in Space, also plans to create a bigger 3D printer set to head to outer space in the following years.
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