Summary Report on Phase I Results from the 3D Printing in Zero G Technology Demonstration Mission, Volume I
Year: 2016
Type: article
Abstract: Human space exploration to date has been confined to low-Earth orbit and the Moon. The International Space Station (ISS) provides a unique opportunity for researchers to prove out the technologies that will enable humans to safely live and work in space for longer periods of time and venture beyond the Earth/Moon system. The ability to manufacture parts in-space rather than launch them from Earth represents a fundamental shift in the current risk and logistics paradigm for human spaceflight. In September 2014, NASA, in partnership with Made In Space, Inc., launched the 3D Printing in Zero-G technology demonstration mission to explore the potential of additive manufacturing for in-space applications and demonstrate the capability to manufacture parts and tools on orbit using fused deposition modeling. This Technical Publication summarizes the results of testing to date of the ground control and flight prints from the first phase of this ISS payload.
Authors: Tracie Prater, Quincy Bean, Ron Beshears, T. D. Rolin, N. J. Werkheiser, Erick Ordonez, Richard M. Ryan, Frank Ledbetter
Institution: Marshall Space Flight Center
Language: English
Subfield: Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2572827717