NASA sends a 3D printer to the ISS

3D printers are becoming more popular, this is no longer a toy for a geek, but quite a serious working tool. So serious that it will soon be sent to the ISS, for printing spare parts and working tools.

This is a custom printer, because it must meet a variety of requirements, and the device is made by Made In Space. The device has already been tested in the space center of Marshall . Checks were very different, including conditions such as acceleration and weightlessness.
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Before astronauts can use the printed parts, the first test batch will be sent to Earth for detailed verification. Yet it is one thing - testing in terrestrial conditions, and another - working in orbit, where any defect can be fatal.

The printer will be installed in the MSG module, and its first job in orbit will be printing 21 tools and spare parts. The device will arrive on the ISS in August, along with other payloads sent to orbit by the Falcon 9 rocket, from Space X.

In general, there is a sense in the work of such a device in orbit: astronauts will be able to quickly produce the necessary things, and not wait until something the MKS team needs arrives into orbit with the next flight. It seems that the material for the 3D printer on the ISS will be delivered in sufficient quantity for a long time.

By the way, among other things, astronauts will also receive a coffee machine designed specifically for the ISS:



Via Space.com