NASA sends a 3D-printer at ISS

3D printers are becoming increasingly popular, it is no longer a toy for the boom, and quite a serious tool. So serious that it will soon be sent to the ISS, for printing parts and tools.

Printer this custom because it must meet a number of requirements, and manufactured the device startup Made In Space. The device has already been tested in the космическом Marshall Center . Checks were very different, including conditions such as acceleration and weightlessness.

Before astronauts can use the printed parts, the first, trial batch will be sent to Earth for detailed inspection. Yet it is one thing - to check on Earth, and more - in orbit, where any defect could be fatal.

Installed printer module MSG, and his first work in orbit will be printing 21 tools and spare parts. Device will arrive at the ISS in August, along with other useful goods consigned to orbit by Falcon 9, the company Space X.

In general, in the work of such a device in orbit makes sense: astronauts can very quickly make the right things and not wait until something is needed by the ISS crew will arrive in orbit with the next flight. It seems that the material for the 3D printer on the ISS will deliver a sufficient amount of work for long.

By the way, among other things astronauts will get more and coffee machine designed specifically for the ISS:



Via Space.com

Source: habrahabr.ru/post/226503/