A major milestone in space exploration has been achieved: the first metal 3D-printed part created in space has made its way back to Earth. This significant advancement took place on the International Space Station (ISS), where the European Space Agency (ESA) operated a specialized metal 3D printer. The part has now landed at ESTEC, ESA’s technical center located in the Netherlands.
The metal 3D printer was developed by Airbus along with its partners and installed in the Columbus module of the ISS. ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen played a crucial role in this project during his mission named Huginn, which took place in January 2024. The printer’s journey began in June when it successfully completed its very first print, taking the form of a curvy ‘S’. Over the summer months, the printer went on to produce its first complete sample, followed by a second sample in December.
Now that the first metal sample is back on the ground, it will undergo rigorous testing at ESA’s Materials and Electrical Components Laboratory at ESTEC. Scientists will compare this sample with similar ones produced on Earth to see how the unique conditions of microgravity impact the overall printing process. Meanwhile, the second sample created will be sent to the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) for additional study.
Until now, astronauts have only operated plastic 3D printers aboard the ISS. Therefore, this successful venture into metal printing represents a breakthrough in space technology. As humanity looks toward longer missions that venture further away from our planet, the ability to manufacture parts directly in space becomes increasingly important. In-space manufacturing could give astronauts the ability to create essential tools, repair equipment, and produce necessary parts without having to rely on expensive resupply missions from Earth.
This advancement could change how space missions are conducted in the future, allowing astronauts to be more self-sufficient during their time in space. By manufacturing items on-demand, they can save both time and resources, making missions more efficient and less reliant on Earth-based supplies.
In summary, the development and successful operation of a metal 3D printer in space mark an exciting chapter in the field of aerospace technology. As further experiments and comparisons continue, this innovation could pave the way for more autonomous operations in space, ultimately enhancing our capabilities for future explorations beyond Earth.