August 2, 2011 AT 1:25 pm
3-D Printer Passes Zero Gravity Test to Make Space Tools
3-D Printer Passes Zero Gravity Test to Make Space Tools…
3-D printers that could crank out parts for spacecraft and space stations – from wrenches to screws – all while in orbit is becoming one step closer to reality.
A company called Made in Space has completed a successful testing period of two 3-D printers on multiple NASA flights, with a scaled-down wrench becoming the first-ever tool printed in partial zero gravity.
Printing out parts in space could eventually be transplanted to other worlds such as the moon, where it could help human colonies gain a foothold by printing out robot parts or buildings, piece by piece.
Thanks David!
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3 Comments
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Hot guys, DIYing, in zero-g…. WHERE DO I SIGN!!?!??!
3D printing, like most other things, is made that much cooler by adding “in space!” after it.
Thanks for the mention LadyAda! You rock!