The first metal 3D printer in space—a collaboration between the European Space Agency (ESA) and Airbus—has printed its first metal object aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This milestone marks a significant step toward increasing crew autonomy for long-duration space exploration missions.
The metal 3D printer, a technology demonstrator developed by ESA, was launched to the ISS earlier this year. ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen installed the printer in the European Drawer Rack Mark II within the Columbus module. In August, the printer successfully completed its first 3D-printed metal shape. This, along with three additional parts to be printed during the experiment, will be returned to Earth for analysis. Two samples will go to ESA’s technical centre in the Netherlands (ESTEC), one will be used at the LUNA facility in Cologne’s ESA astronaut training centre, and the final piece will be sent to the Technical University of Denmark (DTU).
As space exploration extends to missions on the Moon and Mars, the importance of autonomy will grow, as resupply missions become more difficult. Additive manufacturing in space offers a solution, allowing astronauts to produce needed parts, repair equipment or create tools on-demand during missions, rather than relying on resupply from Earth.
While the ISS has previously used plastic 3D printers, ESA’s metal 3D printer is the first to print in metal under microgravity conditions. Built by Airbus and its partners, with Cranfield University in the UK contributing to the design of the melting process, laser source and feed system, this project demonstrates the future potential of in-space manufacturing. Print operations were monitored by CNES from their ISS payload control centre.
“With the printing of the first metal 3D shape in space, ESA Exploration teams have achieved a significant milestone in establishing in-orbit manufacturing capabilities. This accomplishment, made possible by an international and multidisciplinary team, paves the way for long-distance and long-duration missions where creating spare parts, construction components, and tools on demand will be essential,” said Daniel Neuenschwander, Director of Human and Robotic Exploration at ESA.
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