History Made as ESA Achieves First-Ever Metal 3D Printing on ISS

Last week, the International Space Station (ISS) witnessed a significant milestone as the European Space Agency etched its name in history by accomplishing the first-ever metal 3D printing in space. This achievement, spearheaded by a consortium led by Airbus, signifies a pivotal moment in in-orbit manufacturing and sustainability efforts, and will likely negate the need for returning to Earth for repairs and hardware components.

The ESA’s endeavor to establish a circular economy in space received a powerful boost as the Airbus-built metal 3D printer successfully deposited its first molten “S curve” inside the ESA’s Columbus research module. Combining a high-power laser with stainless-steel wire, the printer demonstrated its capability to create intricate and complex metal structures in a microgravity environment.

The ESA’s “S curve” 3D print, printed from liquified stainless steal.

Safety measures were paramount during the printing process, with the printer operating within a fully sealed box to prevent the escape of excess heat or fumes. A team of ESA, Airbus, and French space agency CNES (Centre National d’Études Spatiales) researchers, stationed remotely, monitored the procedure.