3D Printing in Space to Create Food and Tools for Astronauts

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has announced its plans to bring the first 3D printer in space.

The space agency will be launching its 3D microgravity printing experiment aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The 3D printer will be the first device to make parts in space. NASA Administrator Charles Bolden said that the space agency will need transformative and revolutionary technology to address cargo issues such as volume and weight.

NASA aims to go deeper into space as part of its exploration program and hopes that in the future, astronauts will be able to print their own tools and equipment while in space.

According to NASA, the technology of 3D printing provides great opportunities for the new space frontier. NASA believes the 3D printing technology will allow an entire spacecraft to be produced in space. This could potentially remove the design limitations caused by spacecraft launches in Earth.

NASA will partner with Made in Space Inc. to successfully launch the 3D printing experiment officially known as the 3D Printing in Zero G Experiment. The company is located at Mountain View. California.

Associate Administrator Michael Gazanik said that US President Obama's Advanced Manufacturing Initiative includes 3D printing as a potential key for companies to stay competitive. By testing 3D printing in the space station and take advantage of the national laboratory in orbit, NASA can explore new manufacturing techniques for the benefit of astronauts.

3D printing technology could one day work with robotics to manufacture tools and equipment needed for planetary explorations and Mars missions. Habitats can also be created by robots using printed building blocks using soil and minerals taken on-site.

The first 3D printers in space will first make test materials like components, computer parts and then move on to science equipment.

To solidify its commitment to 3D printing technology, NASA recently funded one researcher to further develop his 3D food printer. The grant is worth $125,000 which will help provide astronauts with nutritionally-rich meals out of oil and powder cartridges.