NASA is preparing to launch a 3D printer into space next year, AP reported Sunday.
The main object is to see if the machine works in space, as scientists expect it to do. The long-term goal is to manage spacecraft more efficiently.
The toaster-sized printer is expected to reduce greatly the need for astronauts to load up with every tool.
The printers would serve as a flying factory of infinite designs, creating objects by extruding layer upon layer of plastic from long strands coiled around large spools.
In NASA labs, engineers are 3D printing small satellites that could shoot out of a space station and transmit data to Earth.
The engineers are also printing replacement parts and rocket pieces that can survive extreme temperatures. NASA had more than a dozen machines to choose from, ranging from $300 desktop models to $500,000. All, however, were built for use on Earth.
For use in the space, NASA hired Silicon Valley start-up company Made In Space to build something new.
Last month the space agency awarded Washington-based company Tethers Unlimited $500,000 toward a project in which 3D printing and robots will be used to build huge antennae and solar-powered generators in space by 2020.
This would replace the expensive and cumbersome process of building foldable parts on Earth and assembling them into orbit.
The spools of plastic could eventually replace racks of extra instruments and hardware, although next year's mission is just a test run.
The main object is to see if the machine works in space, as scientists expect it to do. The long-term goal is to manage spacecraft more efficiently.
The toaster-sized printer is expected to reduce greatly the need for astronauts to load up with every tool.
The printers would serve as a flying factory of infinite designs, creating objects by extruding layer upon layer of plastic from long strands coiled around large spools.
In NASA labs, engineers are 3D printing small satellites that could shoot out of a space station and transmit data to Earth.
The engineers are also printing replacement parts and rocket pieces that can survive extreme temperatures. NASA had more than a dozen machines to choose from, ranging from $300 desktop models to $500,000. All, however, were built for use on Earth.
For use in the space, NASA hired Silicon Valley start-up company Made In Space to build something new.
Last month the space agency awarded Washington-based company Tethers Unlimited $500,000 toward a project in which 3D printing and robots will be used to build huge antennae and solar-powered generators in space by 2020.
This would replace the expensive and cumbersome process of building foldable parts on Earth and assembling them into orbit.
The spools of plastic could eventually replace racks of extra instruments and hardware, although next year's mission is just a test run.
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