Robotic 3D printers from NASA will print the space ships in space

NASA has officially stated that now is funding the development of technology for bulk printing in zero gravity. It is reported that spider robot 3D printers will be on orbit to print separate segments of future space stations and gather them into a single unit closer to 2020.
The aim of the project is to create a 3D printer able to print the design of polymers and other materials in the absence of gravity, extremely harsh radiation and temperature regimes. It is necessary to solve the problem of fixing the layers of the printed elements and their solidification in conditions such as very vysokonapornoj under solar radiation and very low temperatures out of direct sunlight. It is obvious that the company Tethers Unlimited, which is a contractor on the project, any idea how to achieve such results, because, according to the NASA presentation of the first robotic printers to begin construction in orbit within 5 years.





Look these robots will be very unusual, but functional. On the control platform will be somewhat of an articulated gripper, with which the robot will move around the created design and to gain a foothold on it. On the platform will be the capacity of the source, a small array of solar panels, printer, batteries and a proper system of communication and control. Robots will also need to synchronize actions among themselves, to be able by joint efforts to collect from different parts of the overall design.





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