Overview

• ESA and Airbus collaborated to create a 3D metal printer capable of functioning in microgravity.
• The printer uses stainless steel wire and a laser to create metal parts, which are then remotely controlled from Earth.
• Safety measures include operating the device in a sealed, nitrogen-filled box to prevent oxygen interference.
• This advancement aims to reduce reliance on resupply missions by allowing astronauts to manufacture tools and parts on-demand.
• The first batch of printed shapes will return to Earth for detailed analysis and quality assessment.