Created In Space Announces Launch of Very first Zero-Gravity 3D Printer to International Space Station


Mountain View, Calif. (PRWEB) September 20, 2014

On September 20 at 2:14am the 1st 3D printer intended for in-space use will depart aboard a rocket from Cape Canaveral, Fla., headed for the International Space Station (ISS).

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This “machine shop for space” will mark the initial time that a multi-purpose manufacturing device will be utilized off-world to generate parts, tools and emergency solutions. Created by Made In Space, Inc., below a contract with NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), the 3D printer is portion of a technologies demonstration intended to show that on-site, on-demand manufacturing is a viable option to launching items from Earth.

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“Everything that has ever been built for space has been built on the ground. Tremendous amounts of money and time have been spent to place even the simplest of items in space to aid exploration and development,” mentioned Aaron Kemmer, Chief Executive Officer of Created In Space. “This new capability will fundamentally alter how the provide and development of space missions is looked at.”

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Following delivery to ISS, the 3D printer is scheduled to be installed in the Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) to conduct its series of prints. The printer will create a series of test coupons, components, tools, use case examples and even STEM project styles by students as component of the 3D Printing in Zero-G Experiment. This experiment, intended to demonstrate additive manufacturing capabilities in space, was created by way of a partnership in between Made In Space and NASA MSFC. Created In Space is working with business partners to formulate added use case examples to demonstrate printer capabilities.

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Produced In Space’s additive manufacturing technology creates 3D objects layer by layer from filament by way of an extrusion approach particularly adapted for the challenges of the space atmosphere. In addition to designing and creating the hardware, Produced In Space will be operating the printer from a mission manage ground station.

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“There had been dozens of distinct troubles we had to resolve in constructing a 3D printer for the Space Station. From thermal method adjustments to rigorous safety requirements, the challenges our group had to overcome have been quite a few, and we’re deeply proud to see the benefits of the perform completed by the Created In Space and NASA MSFC group now head out for a grand field test,” said Kemmer.

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This 1st printer will be employing ABS plastic whilst the second generation unit, scheduled for delivery to ISS in 2015, will supply numerous material capacity and an improved create volume. The second Made In Space printer will be obtainable for use by businesses, researchers and anyone who wants to develop in-space hardware quickly, affordably, and safely.

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“Placing additive manufacturing in space will lead to equivalent capabilities on each and every future space station, deep space exploration automobile, and space colony,” said Kemmer. “Rapid construction of critical supplies is a essential need if humans are going to establish a greater footprint in our universe.”

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Made In Space created the zero-gravity printer via NASA’s Small Company Innovation Investigation (SBIR) plan. The prototype unit was tested on Zero-G Corporation’s modified Boeing 727 parabolic airplane, produced feasible by NASA’s Flight Opportunities Plan. The flight unit passed NASA’s extensive security and operational requirements on the way to being deemed flight ready.

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Kemmer mentioned, “This is far more than a 3D printer. It is much more than a machine shop in space. It’s a landmark for humanity. For the 1st time in the history of our species, we will be manufacturing tools and hardware away from the Earth. Now that we’ve made this breakthrough, the sky is no longer the limit for additive manufacturing – the era of off-globe manufacturing has begun.”

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About Made In Space&#13

Founded in 2010 with the purpose of enabling humanity’s future in space, Created In Space, Inc. has created additive manufacturing technology for use in zero-gravity. By constructing hardware that can build what is needed in space, as opposed to launching it from Earth, the organization plans to accelerate and broaden space improvement whilst also offering unprecedented access for individuals on Earth to use in-space manufacturing capabilities.

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Created In Space’s group consists of profitable entrepreneurs, experienced space authorities and crucial 3D printing developers. With more than 30,000+ hours of 3D printing technology testing, and 400+ parabolas of microgravity test flights, Made In Space’s expertise and knowledge has led to the initial 3D printers created for use on the International Space Station.

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For a lot more info about Produced In Space, visit: http://www.madeinspace.us&#13

Follow on Twitter @_MadeInSpace&#13

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WeAreMadeInSpace

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Images and video can be located at madeinspace.us

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