The program of scientific research on the Russian Segment of the ISS includes tests of a 3D printer designed to operate in microgravity conditions. It will go into orbit in June this year. The main objective of the experiment is to learn how to print products with predictable characteristics, Roscosmos told Izvestia.
The ability to quickly produce the necessary tools, parts, would be extremely useful when working on the Earth’s orbit, and even more so during expeditions to the Moon and Mars.
Apparatus and the necessary parts can be made right in space, without worrying about where to get them and how to repair broken ones.
But first you need to learn how to print products with predictable characteristics in zero gravity. After the experiment, the samples made on board the ISS will be compared with similar samples created on Earth. So the researchers will find out the influence of microgravity on the 3D printing process and the characteristics of the created objects.
“In microgravity conditions, the substance used for 3D printing begins to behave completely differently than on Earth,” Alexander Bloshenko, executive director of Roscosmos for advanced programs and science, explained to Izvestia.
In particular, according to him, a powder that could be melted and baked in a certain way cannot be used. Therefore, the task of the experiment is to work out the conditions in which you will have to work and “adapt” to weightlessness in the conditions of the ISS, added the executive director of Roscosmos for advanced programs and science.
A working layout and a prototype of the equipment have already been made. He successfully passed all tests. Now in the adjustment stage, flight samples of scientific equipment, which will go into space.
The equipment for testing at the MSC will be delivered by the Progress MS-20 transport cargo ship, which will start on June 3, 2022. It will be located in the new Russian Science module. The plans are to conduct 20 “sessions” of the experiment during the year.
Read more in the exclusive Izvestia article:
Imprinted into space: a Russian 3D printer will be tested on the ISS for the first time
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