A new microgravity 3D printer called SpaceCAL has been successfully tested by scientists from the University of California, Berkeley. The tests were part of the Virgin Galactic 07 mission on June 8. The SpaceCAL printer was able to 3D print four items, including space shuttle models and small tugboats, using a liquid plastic called PEGDA. This technology, funded by NASA’s Flight Opportunities program, has shown promising results for space travel.
3D printing technology has come a long way in the last decade, with advancements in printing more sophisticated and creative 3D parts using various materials. SpaceCAL’s predecessor, computed axial lithography, was developed in 2017 to print complex 3D geometries in a single step. The technology uses light to trigger chemical hardening in a resin, allowing for the rapid and precise formation of intricate 3D structures.
One of the key advantages of SpaceCAL is its ability to operate effectively in microgravity environments, making it ideal for space exploration. This technology can create parts in as little as 20 seconds, a significant improvement over traditional printers. The team has demonstrated the system’s versatility by successfully printing with over 60 different materials, including silicones, glass composites, and biomaterials.
The potential applications of 3D printing in space are vast, with NASA and the European Space Agency exploring the use of this technology on the moon and the International Space Station. Astronauts could use 3D printing to produce building materials, tools, medical equipment, and spare parts on-site, reducing upmass and mission duration. In the future, 3D bioprinting could even allow for the production of replacement organs or tissue in space.
While the focus is on pushing technology for space exploration, the benefits of 3D printing technology can also extend to applications on Earth. The long-term goal is to print organs in space with SpaceCAL and bring them back to Earth for medical use. These advancements in technology have the potential to benefit people both in space and on our planet.
Overall, the successful testing of SpaceCAL represents a significant milestone in the development of 3D printing technology for space travel. With continued advancements and research, this technology could revolutionize how we manufacture and produce objects in space, with far-reaching implications for future space missions and applications on Earth.
