First Zero-G 3D printer scheduled to launch to the ISS in 15 hours

Sep 19, 2014

This Saturday, on September 20 at 2:14 am the first 3D printer intended for in-space use will depart aboard a rocket from Cape Canaveral, Fla., headed for the International Space Station (ISS).

This "machine shop for space" will mark the first time that a 3D printer will be utilized off-world to create parts, tools and emergency solutions.

The 3D printer is developed by Made In Space, Inc., under a contract with NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), for the challenges of the space environment. Following delivery to ISS, the 3D printer is scheduled to be installed in the Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) to conduct its series of prints. Made In Space will be operating the printer from a mission control ground station. The printer will create a series of test coupons, parts, tools, use case examples and even STEM project designs by students as part of the 3D Printing in Zero-G Experiment.

""There were dozens of specific problems we had to solve in constructing a 3D printer for the Space Station. From thermal process adjustments to rigorous safety requirements, the challenges our team had to overcome were numerous," said Aaron Kemmer, Chief Executive Officer of Made In Space. "we're deeply proud to see the results of the work done by the Made In Space and NASA MSFC team now head out for a grand field test."

"This new capability will fundamentally change how the supply and development of space missions is looked at." Kemmer added.

This first printer will be using ABS plastic while the second generation unit, scheduled for delivery to ISS in 2015, will offer multiple material capacity and an increased build volume. The second Made In Space printer will be available for use by businesses, researchers and anyone who wants to create in-space hardware rapidly, affordably, and safely.

"Placing additive manufacturing in space will lead to similar capabilities on every future space station, deep space exploration vehicle, and space colony," said Kemmer. "Rapid construction of important materials is a critical need if humans are going to establish a greater footprint in our universe."

The prototype of this zero-gravity printer was tested on Zero-G Corporation's modified Boeing 727 parabolic airplane, made possible by NASA's Flight Opportunities Program. The flight unit passed NASA's extensive safety and operational standards on the way to being deemed flight ready.

Kemmer said, "This is more than a 3D printer. It's more than a machine shop in space. It's a landmark for humanity. For the first time in the history of our species, we will be manufacturing tools and hardware away from the Earth. Now that we've made this breakthrough, the sky is no longer the limit for additive manufacturing – the era of off-world manufacturing has begun."

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, carrying its Dragon cargo spacecraft loaded with more than 5,000 pounds of scientific experiments and supplies, will lift off at 2:14 a.m. EDT. NASA Television coverage of the launch begins at 1:15 a.m. The spacecraft's 2.5 tons of supplies, science experiments, and technology demonstrations include critical materials to support 255 science and research investigations that will occur during the station's Expeditions 40 and 41.

The Dragon will remain attached to the space station's Harmony module for more than four weeks and then splash down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Baja California with almost two tons of experiment samples and equipment returning from the station.

Posted in 3D Printers

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