ESA's Metal 3D Printer Produces Fourth Sample in Space
- ESA's metal 3D printer is the first 3D metal printer sent to space.
- The printer produced a fourth sample in space, according to a video from ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot.
- The 180 kg printer requires safety goggles and a mask before opening.
- It supports crew autonomy by manufacturing spare parts or tools on demand.
- The milestone matters for lunar exploration because resupply is harder than in low Earth orbit.
What happened
ESA's Metal 3D printer, identified as the first 3D metal printer sent to space, has produced a fourth sample. ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot published a video on social media.
What we know
Sophie Adenot is an ESA astronaut, and she published a video on social media.
The hardware is identified as the first 3D metal printer sent to space, and it has printed a fourth sample.
The printer's mass is listed as 180 kg. It requires safety goggles and a mask before opening.
3D printers are aimed at increasing crew autonomy, and 3D printing can manufacture spare parts or tools on demand.
Why it matters
For readers tracking the lunar industry, the milestone is relevant because 3D printing is aimed at increasing crew autonomy by manufacturing spare parts or tools on demand. Future exploration missions face resupply that is far more difficult than in low Earth orbit.
What's next
The printer is getting ready for the next printing session.
Sources
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