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Last fall, NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center concluded a project that investigated a 3D-printing (or additive manufacturing) technique that could build lunar infrastructure from aluminum potentially extracted from dust and rocks on the Moon. This technique, known as cold metal transfer wire-arc additive manufacturing, could enable large-scale additive manufacturing and minimize potential hazards associated with powder-based 3D printing processes. Though this technology is still in development, it could allow for more affordable ways to manufacture, repair, and reuse surface infrastructure on the Moon. Learn more about the project, key partners, and NASA centers on our TechPort database. https://lnkd.in/e942j5vC

Using local surface materials is a must for a permanent presence.

Innovation and a spirit of research are the key to success in every area. We firmly believe that exploration in engineering is one of the new frontiers of man.

What is in-space manufacturing (ISM)? Think welding in the vacuum of space, 3D printing in zero gravity, and crafting objects using found materials. Let's explore the world of ISM with Zach Courtright, the ISM Portfolio Manager at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in podcast episode 124: The Game-Changing Potential of In-Space Manufacturing. #AdditiveManufacturing Listen to the episode and learn more about in-space manufacturing!: https://lnkd.in/eTUGrKUd

https://lnkd.in/gqVJ28bA Indian startup Agnikul successfully launched a rocket featuring the world’s first single-piece 3D-printed rocket engine, fabricated in 72 hours, signaling a step toward on-demand rocket launches. The company's approach, unlike traditional methods, allows for faster manufacturing by printing the engine as a single unit rather than multiple components stitched together. Their recent suborbital launch from India's east coast demonstrated the engine's success, reaching an altitude of 6.5 kilometers. Agnikul aims to offer low-cost, on-demand launch services for small satellite operators, leveraging their innovative 3D printing technology. Question of the day: Can you 3D print another 3D printer? #SpaceInnovation #3DPrintingRevolution #OnDemandLaunch

The world of materials is subtle.

Agnikul celebrates the successful launch of its first rocket, making history as India's first private orbital launch. This opens doors for affordable satellite missions and a new era in space exploration. Agnikul Cosmos is a rising startup in India's space sector which was incubated by IIT Madras. It made a historic leap with the successful launch of its Agnibaan-SOrTeD rocket on May 30, 2024! The World's First 3D-printed Engine, Agnibaan, is powered by a semi-cryogenic engine (Agnilet) and is built entirely through 3D printing. This innovative technology reduces manufacturing time and cost. For the detailed version of this article, visit: https://lnkd.in/gtAZTPGz #SpaceTech #AgnikulCosmos #spats #space #rockets #launch #Agnibaan

3D PRINTED GLASS MANUFACTURING: Earth, Moon, and Mars! This excellent overview of recent work was highlighted by The American Ceramic Society on breakthroughs in low cost and practical manufacturing using 3D printing technology. This has great applicability down here on Earth, but also could be utilized on the Moon using lunar regolith and on Mars. Hopefully, SpaceX, Blue Origin, NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and others are paying attention! This could, literally, pave the road to permanent settlements on the Moon and Mars. I've posted here on LinkedIn about MATECH's work on demonstrating glass melting and spinning glass fibers from Lunar and Martian regolith simulants. You can find those in my "Featured Posts" or the link below in comments. Exciting times!

🚀 The Ariane 6 is an all-new design created to succeed the Ariane 5 as Europe’s heavy-lift launch system to support missions ranging from launching satellite constellations to deep #space exploration. 🌕 Orbital Matter's Replicator mission will be a key payload on this first Ariane 6 flight. The mission will test a new #3Dprinting technology designed to operate in the vacuum of space and under microgravity conditions. This will be the first time 3D printing is demonstrated in open space outside the ISS. 🌟 If successful, Replicator will demonstrate that complex structures can be built directly in space, opening up new possibilities for #spaceconstruction and exploration. 🚀 Scheduled for its debut flight in July, the Ariane 6 is on track for its upcoming launch. 🔗 Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gHYmTy_8

With the rapid advance of technology, the sky is the limit – or perhaps we need to think beyond! Imagine a time in the future when we are operating space factories — industrial facilities orbiting Earth or built on the Moon, ushering in a new era of space-based manufacturing. Why not? We have begun to develop a suite of enabling technologies like additive manufacturing and 3D printing. Read about this not-so-far-out idea in the engineering publication Tech Briefs and its feature “The Rise of the Celestial Assembly Line ~ How space factories will revolutionize space exploration and benefit Earth”: https://lnkd.in/ej8hmUDY