Researchers are Exploring the Creation of Tools from Martian Dust
Laura McQuarrie — April 19, 2017 — Tech
References: treehugger
With the rise of additive manufacturing, there have been tons of 3D-printed tools created for both big and small jobs. Now, researchers from Northwestern University are showing the potential for 3D printing with moon rocks. Using synthetic lunar and Martian dust, a team of researchers created a special 3D printing technique called "3D painting" that integrate materials that resemble inks.
Because the journey to Mars is a much longer one than it takes to land on the moon, one of the main challenges is that astronauts will have to grow their own food, build their own shelters and take care of their own repairs. Since support and materials from the Earth are so far from Mars, ideas like this show the potential for astronauts to work with the materials that are available to them on the planet.
Because the journey to Mars is a much longer one than it takes to land on the moon, one of the main challenges is that astronauts will have to grow their own food, build their own shelters and take care of their own repairs. Since support and materials from the Earth are so far from Mars, ideas like this show the potential for astronauts to work with the materials that are available to them on the planet.
Trend Themes
1. Extraterrestrial 3D Printing - Researchers experiment with 3D printing with synthetic lunar and Mars dust to create tools for extraterrestrial missions.
2. Self-sustaining Space Exploration - The use of extraterrestrial 3D printing advances the possibility for self-sustaining space exploration, enabling astronauts to create their own tools, food and shelter.
3. Innovative Space Technology - The development of extraterrestrial 3D printing offers a compelling use case for innovative space technology with far-reaching implications for the industry.
Industry Implications
1. Space Exploration - Extraterrestrial 3D printing could transform the space exploration industry and enable astronauts to create tools and structures while in space.
2. Additive Manufacturing - The advancement of extraterrestrial 3D printing techniques could lead to a new era of additive manufacturing, using synthetic lunar and Mars dust as an ink-like material.
3. Aerospace - The aeronautical industry could benefit from the creation of tools and structures with extraterrestrial 3D printing techniques that surmount the limitations of supply chain in space.
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