We don’t normally post stories on design contests, but this one is different: it’s from NASA.
space
From Electric Skin to Space Exploration: Ganit Goldstein’s 3D-Printed Smart Fabrics
I had a chat with Ganit Goldstein, who is researching advanced fabric 3D printing.
Additive Manufacturing Demonstrates Additive Advantages with Complex Satellite Antenna Cluster
We had a look at some interesting metal 3D prints made by Additive Industries.
Which Metals are Most Prevalent in 3D Printing For Aerospace Applications?
Here’s a comparison of various metals the aerospace industry uses to additively manufacture parts.
“We 3D Print Lots of Things!”: How Rocket Lab is Redefining Space Technology with Additive Manufacturing
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi explore how Rocket Lab is transforming from a launch provider into a space technology powerhouse by integrating 3D printing across its operations, pioneering advances in space infrastructure and manufacturing.
LEAP 71 Achieves Breakthrough with 3D Printed Aluminum Rocket Engine
Another milestone in 3D printing has been achieved: 3D printing a rocket engine from aluminum.
NASA Explores Laser Welding in Space: Implications for 3D Printing
NASA is launching a new scientific research project that may impact future 3D printing.
Starship’s Runaway Success is the Result of Multi-Iterative Functional Prototyping
This level of rapid prototyping for complex functional systems would not be possible without additive manufacturing technology.
Rocket Lab to Study Bringing Rock Samples from Mars for NASA
Using vertically integrated technologies as part of the Mars Sample Return Program.
Design of the Week: Pillars of Creation
This week’s selection is the Pillars of Creation by the Space Telescope Science Institute.
Relativity Space Shifts Focus Away from 3D Printed Rockets with Terran-R Redesign
It seems that Relativity Space has abandoned their goal of 3D printing an entire rocket.
Brinter AM’s Bioprinter to Test 3D Printing of Cell Constructs in Space
Brinter AM is going to outer space.
Elon Musk Confirms New Raptor 3 Optimization was Made Possible by AM
The new SpaceX engine has visibly consolidated multiple parts into more complex 3D printed components.
Virtual Foundry’s New Basalt Moon Dust Filament Brings Lunar Surface to Your Prints
We had an interesting chat with Virtual Foundry about their latest material.
A New Way to Identify Potential 3D Print Applications?
A novel application of 3D printing could help identify additional ways to use the technology.
LEAP 71 Proves Automated Rocket Engine Design: A Breakthrough in Computational Engineering
There’s been a major development for 3D printed aerospace: LEAP 71 has proven the viability of automatically designed rocket engines.
The Role of 3D Printing in the Skyrocketing Space Market
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi discuss how 3D printing has the ability to transform the rapidly growing space market.
ESA’s Experiment Proves Feasibility of Metal 3D Printing in Weightless Conditions
There’s metal 3D printing taking place in space!
The Critical Role for 3D Printing in Space: Integrated Cooling Metal Parts
A new metal 3D printed part illustrates the importance of the technology for space applications.
From Orbit to Object: Transforming Space Probe Paths into 3D Prints
A new research paper proposes a method to use interplanetary space probe trajectories as a method to generate unique 3D printable designs.
CNSA’s Experimental 3D Printed Storage Tank Proves Successful in Lunar Mission
There was an interesting 3D print development from the China National Space Administration (CNSA).
Feeding the Final Frontier: How 3D Printing is Redefining Space Food
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi explore 3D printing for space food production.
Leap71 and Solideon Partner to Develop Large-Scale Metal 3D Printer for Space Manufacturing
Leap71 has struck another very interesting strategic agreement to help develop a large-scale metal 3D printer for industry.
Stratasys To Test Materials on the Lunar Surface in 2025
Stratasys announced a deal to send their 3D prints to the lunar surface.
NASA Seeks Volunteers for Year-Long Mars Simulation in 3D Printed Habitat
NASA announced a new call for volunteers to live in a 3D printed Mars habitat.
Design of the Week: Planet Mars Tactile Model
This week’s selection is the Planet Mars Tactile Model by the Astronomical Observatory of the University of Valencia.
Addup and Airbus Deliver First Metal 3D Printer to the ISS: Testing Begins
Addup joins the orbital 3D printer club with the latest launch to the International Space Station.
Sidus Space Launches Multi-Material 3D Printing Division for Space Industry
Sidus Space announced a new division dedicated to 3D printing parts for space missions.
New Chemical Breakthrough Paves Way for Metal 3D Printing on the Moon
There’s been an interesting chemical development that may affect 3D printing in the far future.
NASA Innovates with 3D Printed Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine
NASA announced they’ve 3D printed a very different type of rocket engine.
ORNL Researchers Explore 3D Printing for Lunar Rover Wheels
Researchers at ORNL have been 3D printing prototype lunar wheels.
The Rising Role of 3D Printing in Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi take a closer look at BAE Systems’ recent acquisition of Ball Aerospace and how 3D printing can play a role.
9T Labs Successfully Completes ESA StarTiger Project
The project brought together leading companies and academic institutions to demonstrate cutting-edge advancements in space technology and manufacturing.
Exploring ‘The Smart Mission’: NASA’s Lessons in Knowledge and Project Management
Charles R. Goulding reflects on “The Smart Mission” and what we can takeaway from studying successful organizations as well as private industry disruptors.
Move Over SpaceX: Relativity Space Now the Largest Commercial Presence at NASA Stennis
Lease agreement on vertical test stand brings Relativty’s total footprint at the rocket propulsion test center to 300 acres.
Redwire 3D Bioprints a Human Knee Meniscus in Space
Redwire announced they’ve been able to 3D bioprint a human knee meniscus in space.
DLR’s ‘3D-LoCoS’ Project: Innovating Low Cost Space Components through 3D Printing
The German Institute of Materials Research at DLR has been working on ways to 3D print space propulsion systems.
The Curved Advantage: 3D Printed Electronics for Space Applications
NASA announced a successful test of 3D printed electronics in space.
Incus and ESA Collaborate for Lunar 3D Printing: Recycling Scrap Metal for Moon Base
Incus has completed a project that verified the possibility of 3D printing metal objects from scraps on the Moon.
The Ten Coolest Space Companies Using AM in 2023
We have updated our list from 2020 with some new entries and some surprises. Check out VoxelMatters’ VM Focus Aerospace eBook for the complete Top 20.
NASA’s CHAPEA Program: Living in a 3D Printed Martian Home for a Year
Would you live in a 3D printed house for a year? NASA volunteers are doing so.
Zortrax’s ESA Project: Exploring the Power of 4D Printing
Zortrax recently completed a project for ESA that involved significant use of 4D printing.
Redefining Satellite Design with Markforged 3D Printing Solutions
Markforged 3D printing solutions were used to develop a radically new style of satellite.
Exploring the Future of 3D Printed Batteries for Lunar and Martian Missions
We spoke to a scientist developing 3D printed batteries for future space missions.
Advancements in 3D Printed Rockets: Tianbing’s Success and Relativity Space’s Shift
Two key developments in additively manufactured rockets occurred this week, one positive, and the other seemingly negative.
The Age of Lightweight Smallsats: How 3D Printing is Shaping the Future of Satellite Technology
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi consider the use of 3D printing technology to expand smallsat applications.
Relativity Space Hits Milestone Despite Mission Failure of Terran 1 Rocket
Relativity Space achieved their milestone this week, sort of.
NASA Announces New Research Institute Focused on Advanced Manufacturing
NASA announced the creation of a new research institute dedicated to advanced manufacturing.
Nasa Wants To Build A Pipeline On The Moon
The space agency is studying moon-based robots and additive manufacturing to build a pipeline that transports oxygen from an extraction site to a lunar base.
Rocket Launched by UC Berkeley Students Contains 3D Printed Components
Students at UC Berkeley have launched a large rocket containing a number of 3D printed components.
3D Printing Industry Set to Take Off with Relativity Space’s Milestone Launch
Relativity Space is nearing a key milestone, and so is 3D printing.
3D Printing Implications of the L3Harris Technologies Acquisition of Aerojet Rocketdyne
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi believe recent corporate moves could boost 3D printing usage.
What Can Orion AM’s Thermal Radiation Fusion 3D Printing Process Produce?
Orion AM’s Thermal Radiation Fusion 3D printing process can produce incredibly strong parts.
Investigating a Unique 3D Printing Technique on the International Space Station
An obscure experiment on board the International Space Station could be a path for a very unusual 3D printing technique.
BeeHex Is Developing a Way to 3D Print Food From Plastic
We haven’t written about BeeHex for quite some time, but it turns out they’ve been developing an unusual food 3D printing technology involving plastics.
Overcoming Outgassing and Weight Challenges with 3D Printing for Space Applications
If you think 3D printing mechanical parts is tricky, try making parts for space applications.
ICON Awarded Massive NASA Contract for Lunar 3D Printing
ICON has landed a US$57.2M contract with NASA to 3D print a Lunar 3D printing system.
The Use of Additive Manufacturing in Space: an AM Coalition Webinar
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi review a webinar focusing on use of additive manufacturing in space applications.
A Different Way To 3D Print Rockets
Firehawk Aerospace is 3D printing rockets, but not in the way you might think.
Space Startups and 3D Printing
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi look at some of the many space startups now leveraging metal 3D printing.
Design of the Week: TG89 Cube
This week’s selection is the TG89 Cube by Bart Smits.
Anisoprint Signs Orbital Deal
Anisoprint signed a deal with Nanoracks to develop a space-based continuous carbon fiber 3D printing capability.
Design of the Week: Starship SN15
This week’s selection is the set of Starship 3D models by Yoan Soilen.
3D Printed Copper Rocket Engine Tested Successfully
Launcher has successfully tested a unique 3D printed copper rocket engine.
NASA’s 3D Printed Metal Alloy Breakthrough
NASA announced the development of a powerful new metal alloy that will be of specific interest by the aerospace sector.
Even More ESA Efforts on Space-Based 3D Printing Coming
The European Space Agency has significant interest in space-based 3D printing, now with yet another project launched.
AddUp Developing Space-Based Metal 3D Printer
There’s yet another 3D printer destined for the International Space Station, this time a metal 3D printer.
BEEVERYCREATIVE Completes Continuous Space 3D Printer Prototype
BEEVERYCREATIVE announced they have completed building the first prototype of their new space-based continuous 3D printer.
Using 3D Printed Catalysts To Power Rocket Engines
A PhD student in New Zealand is 3D printing catalysts to enable use of safer rocket propellants.
Life on Mars and 3D Printing
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi look at how buildings could be 3D printed on another planet.
Experimental Warp Drive Vehicle To Be 3D Printed?
A curious scientific discovery could lead to a 3D printed space vehicle using warp drive, according to a recent announcement.
Incus and ESA Partner to Bring 3D Printing Technology to Outer Space
The 18-month collaboration seeks to develop and test Incus’ LMM 3D printing capabilities for spare parts manufacturing on lunar bases.
Redwire Partners With Blue Origin for Space Manufacturing
Blue Origin announced plans for a new space station, but the plan also includes a 3D printing system.
Zortrax Hitches a Ride on WoodSat
A 3D printed electrical circuit by Zortrax is set to take off on a unique wooden satellite.
Continuous Carbon Fiber 3D Prints For Space Applications?
I’m looking at a new project by Anisoprint where parts for a proposed lunar rover were produced.
Deere vs. Cat and 3D Printing
Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi look at two different equipment manufacturers and how they use 3D printing technology.
Design of the Week: Crew Dragon – M3
This week’s selection is the Crew Dragon – M3 by MoreThan3D.
Creality’s Massive Brazilian Mission
Last week Creality announced the “Space Robotics Project”, a venture intended to stimulate the minds of Brazilian schoolchildren.
Where There’s Data, There Could Be 3D Prints
A new scientific 3D print application demonstrates the value of data in 3D printing.
MX3D 3D Prints Prototype Lunar Habitat Floor
MX3D has 3D printed a prototype metal lunar habitat floor for ESA.
AON3D’s New Investment Could Take Them To The Moon
AON3D announced a major new investment and a partnership on a lunar project.
Fabrisonic’s Space Ambitions
Another company announced intentions to produce a space-based 3D printer: Fabrisonic.
Would You Live in a 3D Printed Martian Home for a Year?
NASA is looking for volunteers to inhabit a 3D printed Martian home.
NASA’s Redwire Regolith 3D Print Project
NASA has a new project to 3D print regolith.
Future Platform For Space-Based 3D Printing?
Varda Space Industries raised US$42M to help build their space-based manufacturing platform.
Relativity Space Reveals Fully 3D Printed Reusable Rocket
Relativity Space revealed Terran R, their fully 3D printed reusable rocket.
AMCM Provides Another Rocket-Building Large Format Metal 3D Printer
Rocket startup Launcher has acquired a massive custom-designed metal 3D printer from AMCM.
Why Would You 3D Print Leaves?
Researchers have done something no one has done before: 3D printing “living” leaves.
Students 3D Print Prototype “Lunar PAD”
A prototype lunar landing pad has been designed by students and 3D printed by ICON.
The Race To Space And 3D Printing
Charles R. Goulding and Adam Friedman consider how 3D printing fits into space-focused investment activity.
Nano Dimension Testing 3D Printed Circuit Board In Orbit
Nano Dimension partnered with L3Harris to produce a 3D printed circuit board that is currently in orbit.
How Far Has 3D Printing Changed: From Prototype To Orbit
A partly 3D printed research satellite will test the envelope of 3D printed technology.
ESA Developing “Infinite” 3D Printer?
The European Space Agency is developing a new 3D printer capable of producing objects of “infinite” length, and it might use a new design suitable for belt 3D printers.
Design of the Week: Perseverance
This week’s selection is the Mars 2020 Rover Perseverance by NASA.
3D Printing: On Mars
If you’ve ever wondered why some keep trying to 3D print objects in space, I have a video for you.