3D printer successfully tests novel resin-based printing method during Virgin Galactic spaceplane flight, advancing space manufacturing capabilities.
Even here on Earth, 3D printed replacement parts are a nice convenience; in space this could be the difference between life and death. So it’s no surprise the recent demonstration of a next-generation 3D printer aboard Virgin Galactic’s Unity spaceplane is such welcome news.
On a sub-orbital flight, the SpaceCAL printer operated by researchers from UC Berkeley produced these four test prints in quick succession. The space-based 3D printer uses later this year a one-of-a-kind printing technology known as CAL, another major advance over earlier efforts in such areas of extrusion additive manufacturing.
Although NASA showcased 3D printing on the International Space Station as early as 2014, those tests employed technology resembling that of consumer desktop printers-laying down molten plastic layer by layer to form objects. By polymerizing resin in a rotating cylinder, CAL constructs solid objects as opposed to other print processes with all of the moving parts. Fast kinetic parameters allow for faster printing than SRH systems and improved post-processing.
Lead researcher Taylor Waddell notes that while SpaceCAL had already shown promise during parabolic flights offering brief periods of reduced gravity, this longer sub-orbital test enabled them to further challenge the machine and collect more comprehensive data.
This makes the successful demonstration not only a leap forward in 3D printing outside of Earth, but also points to many scientific possibilities with sub-orbital spacecraft. Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin spacecraft are often derided as billionaire toys, but they can provide commodity platforms for 5-minute space experiments. It provides a more accessible and cheaper option than commercial rocket launches, with less regulatory burden too.
Provided the experiment you want to run doesn’t involve a weeks-long stay in space, these sub-orbital flights offer an affordable and reliable way of booking your trip into the cosmos. The 3D printing first on the Unity spaceplane is a poignant inference of these vehicle’s scientific potential.
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Nestor Sawayn is a U.S.-based tech journalist specializing in maker tools and creative technologies. His coverage spans 3D printers, vinyl cutters, paper printers, and laser cutters across North America, Europe, and Asia. Sawen’s articles offer concise, insightful analysis of the latest News, innovations in this space. Beyond hardware, he explores the creative potential of board games and tabletop RPGs, providing readers with a comprehensive view of both digital and analog maker trends.
Feel free to reach out to me at nestorsawayn@360techinsights.com.
