Stratasys to test 3D printed materials on the moon

The experiments are part of Aegis Aerospace’s first Space Science & Technology Evaluation Facility mission (SSTEF-1) the first in a series of commercial space testing missions that Aegis is running through NASA’s Tipping Point program. SSTEF-1 will focus on technology development for space infrastructure and capabilities for the moon and near-earth space.

For the Stratasys experiments, which are sponsored and led by Northrop Grumman Corporation, 3D-printed samples provided by Stratasys will be brought to the lunar surface by an unmanned lander in a carrier structure also 3D-printed by Stratasys.

Three materials will be the focus of two different experiments. The first experiment will asses the performance of a sample coupon part made with Stratasys’ Antero 800NA FDM filament filled with tungsten. Antero 800NA is a high-performance PEKK-based thermoplastic with excellent mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and low outgassing characteristics. Adding tungsten is intended to provide shielding against harmful radiation such as gamma rays or x-rays.