NASA sending a 3-D printer into outer space

NASA plans to send a 3-D printer to the International Space Station (ISS) next year to help astronauts recreate replacement parts and tools while in orbit. A model of the proposed 3-D printer designed by private company Made In Space recently passed tests of determine its ability to manufacture plastic objects in low gravity at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Aaron Kemmer, CEO of Made in Space stated on the company's website, "The 3D printing experiment with NASA is a step towards the future. The ability to 3D print parts and tools on-demand greatly increases the reliability and safety of space missions while also dropping the cost by orders of magnitude. "The first printers will start by building test coupons, and will then build a broad range of parts, such as tools and science equipment.” 3-D printer to be sent to ISS in June2014 Engineers at the agency are optimistic the zero-G-ready 3D printer will be ready to be sent into space in June 2014, when th

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