First Metal 3D Printed Part in Orbit Lands on Earth, Ushering in New Era of Space Manufacturing

The first metal 3D printed part created in orbit has returned to Earth. The sample, produced by ESA's Metal 3D Printer on the International Space Station (ISS), is now at ESA's technical center in the Netherlands (ESTEC). The printer, developed by Airbus and partners, was installed in the Columbus module by ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen in January 2024. The facility successfully printed its first 'S' shape in June, followed by two full samples in the summer and December. The first sample will undergo testing at ESTEC's Materials and Electrical Components Laboratory to assess the impact of microgravity on the printing process, comparing it to Earth-printed counterparts. The second sample will be given to the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). While plastic 3D printing has been used on the ISS, this marks the first successful metal printing in orbit. This advancement is crucial for future long-duration space missions, enabling astronauts to manufacture parts, repair equipment, and create tools on demand, reducing dependence on resupply missions.