3D Printing in Space

This volume evaluates the prospects of in-space additive manufacturing, examines the various technologies available and currently in development, and considers the possible impacts for crewed space operations and robotic spacecraft operations.

Ground-based additive manufacturing is being rapidly developed by industry, and 3D Printing in Space discusses government-industry investments in technology development.
According to this report, the International Space Station provides an excellent opportunity for both civilian and military research on additive manufacturing technology.
Additive manufacturing presents potential opportunities, both as a tool in a broad toolkit of options for space-based activities and as a potential paradigm-changing approach to designing hardware for in-space activities.
This report makes recommendations for future research, suggests objectives for an additive manufacturing roadmap, and envisions opportunities for cooperation and joint development.

Contents
SUMMARY
1 INTRODUCTION
The Potential of Additive Manufacturing in Space
Different Users, Different Requirements, Overlapping Technologies
A Recent History of Additive Manufacturing
Standards for Additive Manufacturing
Harmonization of Existing Terminology Standards
Ground-based Additive Manufacturing for Aerospace Use
Additive Manufacturing Construction of Spacecraft on Earth
Additive Manufacturing Construction in Space
A Brief History of Space-Based Construction
A Brief History of Additive Manufacturing Aboard the ISS
2 THE POSSIBILITIES
Creating Replacement Components in Space
Recycling in Space
Replacement Components for Robotic Spacecraft
Create Structures Difficult to Produce on or Transport from Earth
Create Sensors, Sensor Systems, and Satellites
Free-Flying “Fab Lab”
Fully Printed Spacecraft
Use of Resources on Planetary Surfaces
3 TECHNICAL CHALLENGES FOR THE USE OF ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING IN SPACE
Materials Development and Characterization
Process Modeling and Control
Precision and Resolution
Construction Time Constraints
Design Tools and Software
Machine Qualification, Certification, and Standardization
Additive Manufacturing an Entire Spacecraft on the Ground
Transitioning Additive Manufacturing Technology to the Space Environment
Autonomy
Challenges Related to Additive Manufacturing on the International Space Station
Additional Challenges Related to Free-Flyer Platforms
Additional Challenges Related to In Situ-Based Platforms
4 A POSSIBLE ROADMAP FOR NASA
Evolution of NASA Additive Manufacturing Activities on Earth and in Space
Factors Affecting the Use of Additive Manufacturing for NASA Space Missions
Roadmap Considerations and Constructs
5 A POSSIBLE WAY AHEAD FOR THE AIR FORCE
The Challenge
The Reality of Additive Manufacturing
Air Force Experience with Additive Manufacturing
A Way Ahead for the Air Force
Additive Manufacturing for Space
Conclusion
APPENDIXES
A: Committee and Staff Biographical Information
B: Acronyms
C: Report Brief
D: 3DPS Infographic