European Space Agency printed 3D metal part in space for first time

European Space Agency (ESA) printed a three-dimensional (3D) metal part in space on the International Space Station (ISS) for the first time. It is not the first time scientists have used 3D printing on ISS.

Ten years ago, a machine was sent to the space station that could make plastic parts in microgravity, but plastic can only go so far.

On the other hand, scientists can use printed parts from metal to create several more things in space. It allows more spare parts and tools to be made in space.

🚀 Need something in space? Just print it! 🖨️ @esa and @AirbusSpace have 3D printed the first ever metal part in orbit, laying the groundwork for astronauts to forge their own tools on the fly 🔧 👨‍🚀
Find out more 🤘 https://t.co/Es8xNupJb7 @CranfieldUni @spacegovuk
— Human Spaceflight (@esaspaceflight) September 6, 2024

Regarding this significant development in Space, scientists sent a printer and raw materials needed for the test to the ISS this year. Astronaut Andreas Mogensen put this hardware in European Drawer Rack Mark II of ESA’s Columbus module.

The European Space Agency (ESA) scientists printed the first 3D metal part in August 2024. The printing of three more 3D metal objects is part of the project. They will send these four metal parts back to Earth for analysis. Two will go to ESTEC, ESA’s technical center in the Netherlands.

Another will go to Cologne, ESA’s astronaut training center. However, the last sample will go to the Technical University of Denmark. A printer for 3D metal is visible from the ground and operates for about four hours daily.

🤖 Move over T-1000! This isn't sci-fi, this is @esa and @AirbusSpace 3D printing the first ever metal part in space 🔧🚀. In the future, astronauts could print on demand any tools they need, revolutionising missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond 🌑🔴
Find out more 👉… pic.twitter.com/6hyIX0qeCl
— Human Spaceflight (@esaspaceflight) September 6, 2024

Click here to read the updates on NASA sent the first 4K video from aircraft to the space station

The ground team checks each layer using pictures and surface scans. It can take between 10 to 25 days to print objects in space. However, Project Manager Rob Postema stated they can significantly decrease this time with its automated controls and running the printer, continuously.

However, this particular printer can only print objects the size of a soft drink. It shows potential for making larger 3D parts in space in the future.

Daniel Neuenschwander is scientist at ESA. He also stated printing the first metal 3D object in space is a big step toward being able to manufacture things in space.