NASA's First Space 3D Printer To Go Live By 2014: Will Be A LifeSaver

NASA is clear about what they want to do about the 3D printer, the first one to be launched in space. The low cost machine is said to be a savior for the astronauts who work from the space station and also help reduce the working cost for future missions. The plan is to launch the 3D metal printer by end of 2014.

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Although this will not be an easy task says the company, 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?"

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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.

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The common technology for 3D printing uses preparing layer by layer of polymer material, also called as Additive Manufacturing. There has been technology used by laser melting titanium and nickel chromium powders to make 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.

Photos n Inputs From BBC

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- Unknown Updated at: Wednesday, October 02, 2013