The private American spaceflight company, SpaceX, will be launching their (awesomely named) 'Dragon' spacecraft up for a quick flight in space so that the International Space Station (or the ISS). The unmanned Dragon will be filled with more than 5,000 pounds worth of supplies, and other such materials, for the stations crewmembers. Among the materials is the first 3D printer to enter outer space. It will also be carrying a new "earth-absorbing instrument" that will have the ability to monitor potentially fatal weather storms from space.
This article is probably just trying to convey to everyone how awesome SpaceX is. They're sending their spacecraft up to carry up 5,000 pounds of materials and bring it back to earth with no one inside flying it up and down. Also, somebody figured out how to create a 3D printer that works in 0 gravity. 3D printers on earth, to my knowledge, use gravity to place layers of plastic (or whatever material they choose) on top of each other. These are all impressive feats made possible by science.
That's really interesting. And very cool how they accommodated the 3D printers for 0 gravity. I'm just curious as to why they need 3D printers in space. Is it a necessary tool? It's not something I would've thought about when going into space, but I guess there's probably a good reason for it. Very interesting.
ReplyDeleteThe 3D printer is used to help make tools, like if something breaks they don't have to wait for the next spaceship to bring a replacement. It's likely it's just an experiment as well.
Delete-Trevor Haueisen 6th
This is cool! I really don't see the use for printers in space though. Maybe there is a certain reason. Impressive though!
ReplyDelete-Glenna Loughlin
Wow. I honestly think anything to do with space is really interesting. Its a great thing that are able to adapt things to go up into space especially something as new and intersting as a 3d printer.
ReplyDelete_Veronica Nichols 2nd Period
http://www.space.com/27152-spacex-dragon-cargo-ship-launch.html
ReplyDelete(forgot to attach the link)
-Trevor Haueisen 6th