Yes! NASA’s ‘In-Space Manufacturing’ project has been running since 2014, when the first 3D printer was sent to the International Space Station. The printer releases a stream of heated toothpaste-like plastic from a tube and deposits it layer by layer to create a 3D object, and it was found to work perfectly in microgravity.
Objects created by this printer and its successor include a ratchet wrench, an antenna component and a part to connect two onboard robots.
Read more:
- Is it true that NASA smells everything before it is sent into space?
- Can you fire a gun in space?
- How cold is it in space?
- How can I spot the International Space Station?
Authors
Dr Peter Bentley is a computer scientist and author who is based at University College London. He is the author of books including 10 Short Lessons in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics and Digital Biology: How nature is transforming our technology and our lives.
