Spaceborne construction 3D printer to launch aboard 3D printed rocket Aerospace

Spaceborne construction 3D printer to launch aboard 3D printed rocket Aerospace

by Aerospace

The future of space exploration as we imagine it is not going to be possible without the heavy implementation of 3D printing technologies, intended in a broad sense as digital, additive and robotic manufacturing processes. Now NASA has awarded a $73.7 million contract to Made In Space, Inc. of Mountain View, California, to demonstrate the ability of its small spacecraft, called Archinaut One, to manufacture and assemble (3D print) spacecraft components in low-Earth orbit. Made in Space ‘s spaceborne construction 3D printer will launch aboard the Rocket Lab 3D rocket, powered by 3D printed engines, no earlier than 2022.

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ESA-led project progresses with bioprinting skin and bone in space Aerospace

by Aerospace

Humans have long wanted to put a person on Mars, and today many steps towards achieving this decades-old goal are being taken. Things like housing, food, construction materials and medical treatments will be necessary in order for humans to exist on Mars, and researchers from space agencies and companies around the world are coming up with novel solutions to address these basic issues. NASA, for instance, recently awarded AI SpaceFactory first place in its 3D Printed Habitat Challenge for developing a 3D printed housing solution that could be viable on Mars or the Moon.