In the 3D printer prints the world's first metal object of extraterrestrial origin Bashny.Net

The company Planetary Resources is one of the first who began to seriously consider the issue of mining beyond the Earth. We are talking about asteroids and other objects in space, where you can find useful resources for earthlings. Asteroids are not just a lot, but a lot, and if you learn how to extract minerals from such facilities for the sane price, the issue of land is needed for the components of our civilization could be considered closed.

To draw attention to themselves, the company is on the various steps. At this time, Planetary Resources spoke at CES, presenting printed on a 3D printer metal object. The metal in this case is of extraterrestrial origin - it took from the meteorite that fell in Argentina in prehistoric times. Printed detail is developing spacecraft Arkyd on новом 3D Systems ProX DMP 320 printer direct printing metal .



According CEO Planetary Recources Chris Lewicki, first, you go into space for minerals, you need to decide how to build or produce something in outer space. As one of the tools for the construction, he sees just a 3D printer.



Lewicki offers apply quite an interesting process of extraction of metals from asteroids. This process was used in this case. It uses plasma, which turned the meteorite in the "cloud" from which "fell metal deposits", ie metal powder extracted vacuum system. If the metal is magnetic, it can be retrieved and by means of magnets. Designed with 3D Systems printer can be, after several revisions, and use of outer space.



It all looks pretty impressive, but still need to do a huge amount of work to ensure that mining operations in outer space has become a reality. Moreover, such production should be even and profitability. Lewicki said that oil resources in space is much closer to us in time than is commonly believed.



The printer itself rather big

By the way, last summer the company launched a research satellite, and this year plans to launch two phones. The device is manufactured according to standard 6U CubeSat, and is equipped with modules for space exploration. According to the developers, the satellite can be studied as near-Earth space, and deep space - it has everything you need to carry out such work.

Source: geektimes.ru/post/268884/