Britney Scott / November 3, 2013- NASA is going to launch an innovative 3-D printer having the dimensions of a toaster. This printer would enable the astronauts to produce any kind of spare, part, tool or supply that is required by them during the course of their journey. It is expected that the first 3-D printer would be launched in space in 2014 autumn. The tools and parts that would be made by this novel printer are on display at ‘Made in Space’ in Mountain View, California.
The biggest hindrance or challenge posed to astronauts during their long space missions is that they need to make sure that they have everything such as satellites, spare parts, equipment and tools. Because of this, NASA collaborated with a Silicon Valley company in order to come out with innovative 3D printers that would provide the astronauts a device for producing things whenever the need arises whilst in space and this would enable them to travel uninterruptedly. With this new device, astronauts would have access to this tool factory of sorts by creating objects from plastic layers. At present this printer is used for making exquisite jewelry and doctors use them for making replacement joints. Engineers in NASA labs are looking out to making a formidable printer that would produce rocket pieces and replacement parts that can withstand extreme temperatures.
The inventor of this printer, Andrew Filo who is presently working with NASA on this ambitious project states: “Any time we realize we can 3-D print something in space, it’s like Christmas. You can get rid of concepts like rationing, scarce or irreplaceable.”
This device would enable astronauts to make the necessary critical repair on the International Space Station without worrying for the parts. At present, there are trials going on for the printer and safety is the biggest concern. Furthermore, even though this innovative printer reduces the volume of inventory required on space missions, but it does not omit it entirely as you would still need case filament, raw material and a lot of power for operating the 3-D printing machine.
Whatever will be the outcome; this device would most certainly be a historic development and would impact the space industry in a big way.
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