ESA
Advance is essential to the self -sufficiency of astronauts in space as space missions move more and more from Earth.
ESA created the first 3D-printed metal piece made in space, which has just landed on Earth, meeting in the Netherlands.
The printer has already traveled aboard the Columbus module during ESA Huginn’s mission in January 2024, recalls a.
The first impression of this sample was actually made in June, with a line “S” curve. Later got his first full sample. A second sample, obtained in December, will be sent to the Technical University of Denmark (DTU).
This metal printer consists of a European manufacturing technology demonstrator developed by Airbus Defence and Space in collaboration with ESA. The printer has now been delivered to ISS aboard the Cygnus NG-20 refueling mission.
As Scitechdaily denotes, although 3D plastic printers have already been used at the International Space Station, this is the First Successful Metal Print in orbit.
The importance of this discovery is the future self -sufficiency which will be necessary for astronauts in space.
Currently, space missions depend on expensive refueling missions, but manufacturing essential pieces, repairing equipment and creating tools on request will be more important as missions are further and more from Earth.
