Nasa plans first 3D printer space launch in 2014

US space agency Nasa is planning to launch
a 3D printer into space next year to help
astronauts manufacture spare parts and
tools in zero gravity.
It will be the first time a 3D printer has been
used in space and could help reduce the costs
of future missions.
The device will have to withstand lift-off
vibrations and operate safely in an enclosed
space station environment.
Nasa has chosen technology start-up Made in
Space to make the microwave oven-sized
printer.
"Imagine an astronaut needing to make a life-
or-death repair on the International Space
Station," said Aaron Kemmer, the company's
chief executive.
"Rather than hoping that the necessary parts
and tools are on the station already, what if
the parts could be 3D printed when they
needed them?"
In 1970, Apollo 13 astronauts had to cobble
together a home-made carbon dioxide filter
using a plastic bag, a manual cover and gaffer
tape.

A 3D printer might have solved the problem in
minutes.
"If you want to be adaptable, you have to be
able to design and manufacture on the fly, and
that's where 3D printing in space comes in,''
said Dave Korsmeyer, director of engineering
at Nasa's Ames Research Center.
Nasa is also experimenting with 3D printing
small satellites that could be launched from
the International Space Station and then
transmit data to earth.
Additive manufacturing, as 3D printing is also
known, builds up objects layer by layer,
commonly using polymer materials.
But laser-melted titanium and nickel-
chromium powders are now being used to
build much stronger components.
In August, Nasa successfully tested a metal
3D printed rocket component as part of its
drive to reduce the costs of space exploration.