Why this startup believes 3D printing in space will be a game changer

If something breaks in space, repairing it can be a matter of life and death. But flying tools and spare parts into space is pricey: Anywhere from $4,500 per kilogram to $60,000 per kilogram, depending on the type of cargo and destination. Something like this toolbox–actually made for use on the International Space Station–costs a fortune to get off planet Earth.

“No matter how much rockets bring down cost, this doesn’t fix the problem of the things that can’t be launched–the un-launchables. We want to make the un-launchables.” – Jason Dunn, co-founder of Made In Space

But there’s now a new way for astronauts to get some of the tools they need: They can simply tell a robot to build tools they need, as they need them, using a light-yet-durable material. Astronauts aboard the International Space Station are doing this right now using two zero-gravity 3D printers from a startup called Made In Space.

Started by a group of 30-something aerospace nerds, the company’s printer made history by allowing humans to manufacture off-planet for the first time in the history of mankind. Not bad for a startup. And it could be just the beginning; Within a decade, Made In Space hopes to manufacture things in space that are so large humans couldn’t launch them if we wanted to. Like asteroid ships.

Related
3D-printed skin could heal wounds with less scarring
Penn State scientists have 3D-printed skin directly on top of open wounds — an achievement that could improve reconstructive surgery.
New 3D printing technique creates life-like robots
A new 3D-printing technique, vision-controlled-jetting, can be used to create a robotic hand, complete with bones, ligaments, and tendons.
Stanford plans to put a 3D-printed human heart in a pig by 2028
Using 3D bioprinting, scientists are trying to construct perfect replacements for damaged organs, bones, and tissues.
Ultra slippery toilet bowl stays clean forever
A new slippery toilet bowl developed in China could help conserve water and keep commodes effortlessly clean.
Natural killer cells now have a better shot at destroying cancer
A 3D-printing-based approach could make immunotherapies based on natural killer (NK) cells better equipped to destroy cancer.
Up Next
Exit mobile version