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    First metal part 3D-printed in space paves way for deeper cosmic missions - The further you travel into the space, the less you can rely on resupplies from Earth. That's where 3D-printing comes in
    Futurology

    First metal part 3D-printed in space paves way for deeper cosmic missions – The further you travel into the space, the less you can rely on resupplies from Earth. That’s where 3D-printing comes in


    First metal part 3D-printed in space paves way for deeper cosmic missions – The further you travel into the space, the less you can rely on resupplies from Earth. That’s where 3D-printing comes in

    https://thenextweb.com/news/first-metal-part-3d-printed-in-space-esa-airbus

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    1. Gari_305 on

      From the article

      >Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) have used [ESA’s metal 3D printer](https://thenextweb.com/news/esa-worlds-first-metal-3d-printer-space-iss) to forge the first-ever metal part made entirely in [space](https://thenextweb.com/topic/space). 

      >The achievement was part of a collaboration between ESA and Airbus that looks to develop Europe’s capabilities in space manufacturing. It could mark a step toward greater autonomy for long-term missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

      >“Creating spare parts, construction components, and tools on demand will be essential for long-distance and long-duration missions,” said Daniel Neuenschwander, director of human and robotic exploration at ESA. 

      >Built by Airbus, the 180kg printer can be used to repair or manufacture tools, mounting interfaces, and mechanical parts. It can print parts with a volume of nine centimetres high and five centimetres wide, with the process lasting about 40 hours.