Design for an in-space 3D printer

Thomas McGuire; Michael Hirsch; Michael Parsons; Skye Leake; Jeremy Straub

doi:10.1117/12.2223536

13 May 2016 Design for an in-space 3D printer

Thomas McGuire, Michael Hirsch, Michael Parsons, Skye Leake, Jeremy Straub

Proceedings Volume 9838, Sensors and Systems for Space Applications IX; 98380V (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2223536
Event: SPIE Defense + Security, 2016, Baltimore, MD, United States

Abstract

This paper presents a space mission enablement and cost reduction technology: in-space 3D printing. Using in-space 3D printing, spacecraft can be lighter, require less launch volume and be designed solely for orbital operations. The proposed technology, which supports various thermoplastics and prospectively metals, is presented in detail. Key subsystems such as the energy collection system, the melting unit, and the printing unit are explained.

Citation Download Citation

Thomas McGuire, Michael Hirsch, Michael Parsons, Skye Leake, and Jeremy Straub "Design for an in-space 3D printer", Proc. SPIE 9838, Sensors and Systems for Space Applications IX, 98380V (13 May 2016); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2223536

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