This paper presents a space mission enablement and cost reduction technology: in-space 3D printing. Using in-space 3D printing, spacecraft can be lighter, require less launch volume and be designed solely for orbital operations. The proposed technology, which supports various thermoplastics and prospectively metals, is presented in detail. Key subsystems such as the energy collection system, the melting unit, and the printing unit are explained.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Design for an in-space 3D printer


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    Sensors and Systems for Space Applications IX ; 2016 ; Baltimore,Maryland,United States


    Published in:

    Publication date :

    2016-05-13





    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English



    Space printer

    FREEDMAN JEFFREY / KAPLAN TED / RUBIN PHIL et al. | European Patent Office | 2023

    Free access

    Space printer

    FREEDMAN JEFFREY / KAPLAN TED / RUBIN PHIL et al. | European Patent Office | 2024

    Free access

    Development and Design Evolution of an In-Space 3D Printer

    Hirsch, Michael / Straub, Jeremy | AIAA | 2017


    12U In-Space 3D Printer Concept

    Spicer, Randy L. / Cote, Tom / Itchkawich, Tom et al. | AIAA | 2025


    Development and Design Evolution of an In-Space 3D Printer (AIAA 2017-5107)

    Hirsch, Michael / Straub, Jeremy | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2017