Airbus to Launch First Metal 3D Printer to the International Space Station Next Year, Paving the Way for Space Manufacturing.
The European aerospace company Airbus is set to send a metal 3D printer to the International Space Station (ISS) next year. This marks the first step in their plan to establish an orbital satellite manufacturing facility, as reported by Space on June 8.
Airbus plans to manufacture satellites in orbit from space debris over the next four years. (Photo: Airbus)
The printer, named Metal3D, is capable of working with molten metals at temperatures up to 1,200 degrees Celsius. This will be the first metal 3D printer on the ISS, enabling astronauts to print devices such as radiation shields and various other tools. Previously, the American company Made In Space had sent several 3D printers to the ISS, but none were capable of printing metal.
Future versions of the 3D printer may even be able to print items using lunar soil and recycle parts from old satellites, according to Airbus. Metal3D is just one of many technologies developed by the company with the aim of establishing a factory in space.
In previous videos, Airbus showcased robotic arms designed for assembling spacecraft. The company stated that their solution involves sending parts into space to be assembled by the robotic arms of the space factory.
The robotic arms can assemble each other in orbit, while also repairing and refueling spacecraft. Airbus hopes to produce complete satellites in space within the next 3 to 4 years.
Given the ample space available in orbit, constructing larger structures, such as giant reflective mirrors, is entirely feasible. Additionally, manufacturing satellites in space is more environmentally friendly as it reduces the need for multiple rocket launches, which contribute to pollution.
“The materials for production can be sourced from space debris floating around. With a space factory, we are also helping to clean up space and ensure a sustainable future for the space industry,” Airbus stated.
The ISS is just the first destination for the Metal3D printer. By the end of this decade, a similar machine may be able to directly print parts for robots and habitats on the lunar surface.
