3D printing coming to a moon near you

space, How It Works, NASA, Made In Space, 3D printingNASA and Made In Space have been conducting trials during parabolic flights to test the effects of microgravity on 3D printing. This could soon be used onboard the ISS to manufacture spare parts.

China uses 3D printing to create customised shuttle seats for their astronauts, and parts are also being printed for rocket engines.

Architects A-ETC working with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory have proposed a Moon base that could be ‘printed’ with a robot that uses microwaves to fuse the lunar soil.