Mountain View, Calif. (PRWEB) September 20, 2014
On September 20 at two: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).

This “machine shop for space” will mark the very first time that a multi-objective manufacturing device will be utilized off-world to produce parts, tools and emergency solutions. Developed by Made In Space, Inc., beneath a contract with NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), the 3D printer is part of a technologies demonstration intended to show that on-web site, on-demand manufacturing is a viable alternative to launching things from Earth.

“Everything that has ever been constructed for space has been built on the ground. Tremendous amounts of cash and time have been spent to spot even the simplest of items in space to help exploration and improvement,” mentioned Aaron Kemmer, Chief Executive Officer of Made In Space. “This new capability will fundamentally change how the supply and development of space missions is looked at.”

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 generate a series of test coupons, parts, tools, use case examples and even STEM project styles by students as portion of the 3D Printing in Zero-G Experiment. This experiment, intended to demonstrate additive manufacturing capabilities in space, was created by means of a partnership amongst Created In Space and NASA MSFC. Produced In Space is working with enterprise partners to formulate added use case examples to demonstrate printer capabilities.

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

“There were dozens of particular difficulties we had to solve in constructing a 3D printer for the Space Station. From thermal approach adjustments to rigorous security requirements, the challenges our team had to overcome were numerous, and we’re deeply proud to see the results of the work carried out by the Created In Space and NASA MSFC team now head out for a grand field test,” stated Kemmer.

This very first printer will be making use of ABS plastic whilst the second generation unit, scheduled for delivery to ISS in 2015, will provide a number of material capacity and an enhanced develop volume. The second Produced In Space printer will be accessible for use by organizations, researchers and anybody who desires to create in-space hardware rapidly, affordably, and safely.

“Placing additive manufacturing in space will lead to related capabilities on each future space station, deep space exploration vehicle, and space colony,” stated Kemmer. “Rapid construction of important materials is a crucial need if humans are going to establish a higher footprint in our universe.”

Created In Space developed the zero-gravity printer via NASA’s Tiny Business Innovation Analysis (SBIR) system. The prototype unit was tested on Zero-G Corporation’s modified Boeing 727 parabolic airplane, made achievable by NASA’s Flight Possibilities System. The flight unit passed NASA’s comprehensive security and operational standards on the way to being deemed flight ready.

Kemmer said, “This is more than a 3D printer. It is a lot more than a machine shop in space. It is a landmark for humanity. For the very first time in the history of our species, we will be manufacturing tools and hardware away from the Earth. Now that we’ve produced this breakthrough, the sky is no longer the limit for additive manufacturing – the era of off-world manufacturing has begun.”

About Made In Space
Founded in 2010 with the goal of enabling humanity’s future in space, Produced In Space, Inc. has created additive manufacturing technologies for use in zero-gravity. By constructing hardware that can develop what is necessary in space, as opposed to launching it from Earth, the business plans to accelerate and broaden space development while also delivering unprecedented access for men and women on Earth to use in-space manufacturing capabilities.

Created In Space’s team consists of profitable entrepreneurs, knowledgeable space experts and essential 3D printing developers. With more than 30,000+ hours of 3D printing technology testing, and 400+ parabolas of microgravity test flights, Created In Space’s expertise and expertise has led to the very first 3D printers developed for use on the International Space Station.

For a lot more data about Produced In Space, visit: http://www.madeinspace.us
Comply with on Twitter @_MadeInSpace
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WeAreMadeInSpace

Photos and video can be discovered at madeinspace.us





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