3D Printing in Space

Levitating particles controlled by a magnetic and acoustic field clump together to form human heart model.

3D-printed hearts on ISS could help astronauts travel to deep space

By Monisha Ravisetti published 28 July 23

Scientists are using new technologies to create 3D-printed hearts that'll be sent to the ISS in about five years. This could be key for a future in which humans are deep-space explorers.

Cover art for 'Stars in Your Hand: A Guide to 3D Printing the Cosmos."

3D print the cosmos: An interview with the authors of 'Stars in Your Hand'

By Brett Tingley last updated 13 September 22

The new book 'Stars in Your Hand: A Guide to 3D Printing the Cosmos' offers an overview of how 3D printing can help anyone learn about space, spaceflight and astronomy.

A rendering of Relativity Space's future factory space in Long Beach, California.

New Relativity Space factory will host dozens of 3D printers for Terran rockets

By Elizabeth Howell published 30 June 21

3D rocket-printing startup Relativity Space said it plans a "major expansion" of operations and manufacturing to boost production of its Terran rocket line.

The 3D-printed thrust chamber assembly of the methane-fueled M10 rocket engine passed its first series of hot-firing tests at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, in February 2020. The M10 engine will power the upper stage of future Vega evolutions in 2025.

Vega rocket's new 3D-printed thrust chamber passes critical hot-fire test (video)

By Elizabeth Howell published 18 March 20

A successful firing test shows that Europe's lightweight Vega launcher is well on its way to cheaper and more efficient launches in 2025, officials say.

Artist's illustration of Relativity Space's Terran 1 rocket lifting off.

Relativity Space will 3D-print rockets at new autonomous factory in Long Beach, California

By Mike Wall published 28 February 20

The company aims to revolutionize rocketry via 3D printing and intelligent automation.

Made in Space’s Plastic Recycler hardware, which is scheduled to launch toward the International Space Station aboard a Northrop Grumman Cygnus spacecraft on Nov. 2, 2019.

Plastic Recycler Will Turn Space Station Trash into 3D Printing Stock

By Mike Wall published 22 October 19

California-based company Made In Space is set to launch its Plastic Recycler toward the International Space Station next Saturday (Nov. 2) aboard Northrop Grumman's robotic Cygnus cargo spacecraft.

An illustration of Relativity Space's Terran 1 rocket launching into space.

Relativity Space to Launch Satellite 'Tugs' on 3D-Printed Rocket

By Doris Elin Urrutia published 20 September 19

Relativity Space, a company that builds and lofts 3D-printed rockets, will launch a half-dozen missions for the in-orbit shuttle service company Momentus beginning in 2021.

An artist's concept of Made In Space’s Archinaut spacecraft 3D-printing and assembling satellite reflectors in space.

Archinaut, a Construction Robot for Space, Could Launch a Test Flight in 2022

By Mike Wall published 13 July 19

NASA has awarded California startup Made In Space $73.7 million to give the company's "Archinaut" spacecraft-assembly technology an orbital test.

Team AI SpaceFactory won first place in the final phase of NASA's 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge with Marsha, a tall, thin proposed habitat for the surface of Mars designed to be built autonomously.

Here's the Winner of NASA's 3D-Printed Mars Habitat Challenge

By Elizabeth Howell published 10 May 19

New York-based design agency AI SpaceFactory took the top prize in a NASA competition to 3D print a habitat that could be used on the moon or Mars.

One of the winning teams of a NASA competition to make a full-scale Mars habitat using modeling software, Team SEArch+/Apis Cor, designed this Martian abode, which is built from the upper part of a Hercules Single-Stage Reusable Vehicle.

NASA Announces $100,000 Winners of Virtual 3D-Printed Mars Habitats

By Elizabeth Howell published 6 April 19

NASA picked three teams to share a $100,000 award from a competition to make virtual Martian habitats.

Researchers 3D printed these ceramic items from fake moon dust, or regolith.

European Researchers Baked Fake Moon Dust into Money and Screws

By Rafi Letzter published 18 November 18

Why did the European Space Agency create a whole bunch of fake moon dust and use it to 3D print small screws, gears and even a fake coin?

These Organic-Inspired Planetary Landers Could Help NASA Reach Other Worlds

By Leonard David published 14 November 18

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and Autodesk, a software company, have engaged in a multiyear collaborative research project to investigate new approaches for building interplanetary landers.

How Do You Build on the Moon? Start with Lunar Dust

By Doris Elin Urrutia published 27 August 18

To learn how to build with moon dust, researchers are turning to volcanic powder here on Earth.

Now You Can 3D-Print a NASA SOFIA Flying Telescope of Your Very Own!

By Hanneke Weitering published 11 August 18

You can now 3D print your own miniature version of NASA's flying telescope, the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA).

Made In Space's 'Archinaut' Could Build Big Power Systems for Small Satellites

By Mike Wall published 1 August 18

Small satellites will soon pack an outsized power punch, if one company's plans come to fruition.

Rocket startup Relativity Space's Stargate is said to be the world's largest 3D printer.

Rocket Startup Relativity Space Sees Big Future in Military Launches

By Sandra Erwin published 7 July 18

Made In Space Wins NASA Contract for Next-Gen 'Vulcan' Manufacturing System

By Mike Wall published 8 May 18

Made In Space Sets Guinness World Record for Longest 3D-Printed Piece

By Mike Wall published 23 February 18

California-based Made In Space earned a Guinness World Record for "World's Longest 3D Printed Nonassembled Piece," company representatives announced Thursday (Feb. 22).

'Star Trek Online' Offers Custom 3D-Printed Starships

By Sarah Lewin published 21 February 18

In-Space Manufacturing Is About to Get a Big Test

By Mike Wall published 11 December 17

A small, privately built machine designed to make optical fiber is launching toward the International Space Station (ISS) aboard SpaceX's Dragon cargo capsule tomorrow (Dec. 12).