#3DSTORY : #NASA to launch 3D printer into space first time ever
Among the challenges that astronauts encounter when they work in space is that it can be difficult for them to acquire some of the tools and parts that they need.
This problem, however, may soon be alleviated as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) will send a specially-designed #3Dprinter for use by #astronauts working at the International Space Station (#ISS).
For the fourth NASA-commissioned cargo mission of the #SpaceX to the ISS next week, the space transport services company’s Dragon cargo spacecraft will be carrying over 5,000 pounds of supplies including what will become the #first 3D printer in space.
The #3DPrinting In #ZeroG Technology Demonstration, which was built by #California -based company Made in Space, can operate at near-zero #gravity and works by spraying layers of materials which eventually build up to form a three-dimensional object. The machine creates objects using heat-sensitive plastic that can be formed when the temperature reaches between 225 °C and 250 °C.
3D printing does not cause much problem on Earth but in space, issues such as the lack of gravity to pull down the layers pose problems. The team behind the #printer , however, managed to come up with a workaround after testing the printer in an aircraft that flies in a parabola to simulate weightless conditions.
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