First metal 3D printer heading to International Space Station

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The logistical burden of resupplying future Moon bases with tools or load bearing parts could be alleviated if astronauts could manufacture such items with a metal 3D printer.

The metal 3D printer, aboard the Columbus module of the ISS
The metal 3D printer, aboard the Columbus module of the ISS - ESA/NASA

To that end, the first metal 3D printer launched on January 30, 2024 onboard NASA’s mission NG-20, which is heading to the International Space Station on a resupply mission.

In the coming days the printer will be set-up in the Columbus module – the science lab onboard the ISS - by astronaut Andreas Mogensen and operated to 3D print the first metallic part in space.

The printer was developed by Airbus, AddUp, Cranfield University and Highftech Engineering under a European Space Agency (ESA) programme.

In a statement, Gwenaëlle Aridon, Airbus Space Assembly lead engineer, said: “Astronauts will be able to directly manufacture tools such as wrenches or mounting interfaces that could connect several parts together. The flexibility and rapid availability of 3D printing will greatly improve astronauts’ autonomy.” 

Sébastien Girault, metal 3D printer system engineer at Airbus, said the printer is the size of a washing machine and can print parts that are 9cm high and 5cm wide.

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