Made in Space - 3D printing

3D printing is all the rage on Earth. We are doing some amazing things with the technology, like printing living tissue, small electronic devices, and even rocket engines. But would that technology, which works by printing a 2D layer on top of other 2D layers work in zero gravity?

Well, NASA is testing one on orbit right now. In this video, you can watch an interview of Niki Werheiser, the 3D project manager at the Marshall Spaceflight Center. The technology can and will be used to print tools and spare parts for long duration flights, be it on space station, or later Mars missions without resupply. Think of it like a real live "replicator" from star trek.

Here is another video.

You can find out more info from the company partnering with NASA, called Made in Space.

http://www.madeinspace.us/