A research team recently implemented China’s first zero-gravity additive manufacturing (also known as 3D printing) experiment during the parabolic flight campaign (93 parabolas totally) in a test carried out from February 22 until March 5, at Bordeaux, France. 

Five different materials and two 3D printing technologies were tested in zero-gravity. The samples were printed as they were designed. The team of scientists also collected data with respect to the space additive manufacturing technology.  

This team was organized by the Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization (CSU) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. 

Space manufacturing technology is a revolutionary and strategic technology for future space exploration. It will facilitate deeper space exploration by saving logistics from Earth. 3D printing is an important modeling technique to support space manufacturing with its efficiency and flexibility. 

However, since environment in space is far different from that on earth, on-ground 3D printing technologies are difficult to be used directly in space. Modifications to materials, mechanisms, and control systems are necessary, said Professor WANG Gong from CSU. 

Leading space countries have joined researches on space manufacturing technology. 

Compared with the 3D printer installed on the International Space Station, the printer developed by CSU and Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology (CIGIT) is able to manufacture larger objects (up to 220mm×140mm×150mm), and with multiple materials, including fiber reinforced composites.

The research is sponsored by CAS and China Manned Space Program. This flight opportunity was granted by the DLR under international cooperation framework between CSU and DLR. Novespace provided technical support.