We have all heard about the new 3-D printer and how it layers plastic to make objects. Well, NASA is loving the idea and now, they want to see if it will work in space. NASA is hoping that the 3-D printing will help the safety in space, as well as not have to find a way to make an object small and then disassemble it in space. NASA is hoping that if an astronaut has to complete a mission, they won't have to worry about it being up there or not. Some problems with 3-D printing are that it makes objects out of plastic, and some objects can only be metal, so for those objects that work best as metal, they're going to have to either make do with plastic or take it up there as is.
I think that this is definitely a breakthrough for science, because now, they won't have to worry about running out of materials and it can help improve the safety of the crew on board. If something breaks, they can print a new one, if something goes wrong, they can fix it by printing! This project could save lives just as long as it works!
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/09/29/nasa-3d-printer-space/2891557/
Do you think they will have trouble printing with no gravity, it seems like there is nothing to propel the plastic on to the other layers, which is how they 3d print on earth.
ReplyDeletei think this is a wonderful new idea that will help the astronauts when something is needed or has broken.
ReplyDeleteAndrew, they would come up with a modified version that will work in space. Just remember, they're only working with prototypes right now.
ReplyDeleteI think this will be a great idea to use. It's cool how scientists come up with new ways to make our lives easier just when we think we've got it as easy as it gets.
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