UK lab tests 3D space prints to help astronauts ‘dodge a bullet’ in orbit
GLASGOW, Scotland - There’s a growing buzz around space-based 3D printing. Many experts see space-based 3D printing as the next major leap forward in our ability to operate and build in space. But a key challenge is ensuring that these space-made structures can withstand the harsh realities of space, Mrigakshi Dixit writes for Interesting Engineering. Continue reading original article.
The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:
16 May 2025 - The University of Glasgow's new testing facility simulates space-like conditions on Earth using a specially built vacuum chamber that reaches temperatures from -150°C to +250°C. The facility is designed to advance space manufacturing, a growing field that could revolutionize how materials and structures are deployed in orbit. Instead of launching complete components like solar reflectors, 3D printers could fabricate them directly in space, reducing cost and payload mass.
While astronauts at the International Space Station already have 3D-printed metal parts, no facility has focused on testing whether materials like polymers, ceramics, and metals printed in orbit can endure the harsh conditions of space. Even tiny imperfections - like trapped air bubbles or poorly fused areas - can compromise material strength, potentially causing printed objects to shatter and contribute to space debris in vacuum and extreme temperature cycles.
Related: The evolution of 3D printing and additive manufacturing
Related: The world’s first metal 3D printer for space is on its way to the ISS
Jamie Whitney, Senior Editor
Military + Aerospace Electronics
