On September 20 at 2:14 AM ET, the first 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 first time that a multi-purpose manufacturing device will be utilized off-world to create parts, tools and emergency solutions. Developed by Made In Space, Inc., under a contract with NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC), the 3D printer is part of a technology demonstration intended to show that on-site, on-demand manufacturing is a viable alternative to launching items from Earth.

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, said 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 create a series of test coupons, parts, tools, use case examples and even STEM project designs by students as part of the 3D Printing in Zero-G Experiment. This experiment, intended to demonstrate additive manufacturing capabilities in space, was developed through a partnership between Made In Space and NASA MSFC. Made In Space is working with business partners to formulate additional use case examples to demonstrate printer capabilities.

Made In Spaces additive manufacturing technology creates 3D objects layer by layer from filament through an extrusion method specifically adapted for the challenges of the space environment. In addition to designing and building the hardware, Made In Space will be operating the printer from a mission control ground station.

There were dozens of specific problems we had to solve in constructing a 3D printer for the Space Station. From thermal process adjustments to rigorous safety requirements, the challenges our team had to overcome were numerous, and were deeply proud to see the results of the work done by the Made In Space and NASA MSFC team now head out for a grand field test, said Kemmer.

This first printer will be using ABS plastic while the second generation unit, scheduled for delivery to ISS in 2015, will offer multiple material capacity and an increased build volume. The second Made In Space printer will be available for use by businesses, researchers and anyone who wants to create in-space hardware rapidly, affordably, and safely.

Placing additive manufacturing in space will lead to similar capabilities on every future space station, deep space exploration vehicle, and space colony, said Kemmer. Rapid construction of important materials is a critical need if humans are going to establish a greater footprint in our universe.

Made In Space developed the zero-gravity printer through NASAs Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The prototype unit was tested on Zero-G Corporations modified Boeing 727 parabolic airplane, made possible by NASAs Flight Opportunities Program. The flight unit passed NASAs extensive safety and operational standards on the way to being deemed flight ready.

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

Excerpt from:

Made in Space Announces Launch of First Zero-Gravity 3D Printer to the International Space Station