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Why it matters: Astronauts aboard the International Space Station have successfully 3D printed the first metal part in space. The achievement is crucial for enabling long-duration space expeditions in which resupply missions are challenging or outright impossible.
The printer, the result of a collaboration between the ESA and Airbus, was delivered to the ISS as part of a resupply mission in early 2024 and was installed by astronaut Andreas Mogensen.
The first of four samples – all smaller than a soda can and weighing less than 250 grams each – was completed in August. Each print takes two to four weeks to complete, as the printer can only run for four hours each day due to noise regulations aboard the ISS.
The object, along with three others that will eventually be printed, will be returned to Earth for quality analysis. Three of the objects will be studied by the European Space Agency, while the fourth will go to the Technical University of Denmark. Teams will conduct macro and micro analysis of the parts to better understand how items printed in space differ in terms of quality compared to those made here on Earth. They will also look at thermal properties and other metrics.
Autonomy will be essential for long-distance space missions. Unlike the ISS, which orbits Earth at an average distance of 250 miles, future human missions to distant planets or satellites like the Moon will place astronauts millions of miles from home, beyond the reach of resupply missions. The Red Planet, for example, is around 140 million miles from Earth. Being able to manufacture metal components such as repair parts or even brand new tools onboard will be crucial for the success of these missions.
It's worth noting that plastic-based 3D printers have already been tested on the ISS. It is an invaluable resource to have, but the parts they produce are limited in terms of application. Being able to manufacture high-strength metal parts will greatly extend astronauts' capabilities.
Image credit: ESA