European Space Agency, ESA 1d ago

Our astronaut Sophie Adenot shared this video on her social media channels with the caption: [EN] Day 133, orbit 2063 — In this timelapse, I'm retrieving the fourth sample printed with the European Metal 3D printer… and getting everything ready for the next printing session! Before opening the printer, the procedure requires putting on safety goggles and a mask, just in case there are any floating nanoparticles. 3D printers are far from being simple gadgets. They aim at increasing crew autonomy, which will be even more crucial during future exploration missions, when resupply will be far more difficult than it is in low Earth orbit. With 3D printing, we could manufacture spare parts 🔩 or tools 🔧 on demand! On Earth, this printer weighs about 180 kg. In orbit, it weighs nothing – but its mass hasn't disappeared. When I handled it, its inertia made it very clear that it is heavy 😉 Full disclosure: as often happens in extreme environments, emotions are heightened… I felt a huge sense of joy using this electric screwdriver, which we very rarely use onboard the ISS. Since I love tinkering, it genuinely made me really, really happy 😃 haha! It reminded me of what I love doing back on Earth!" From spare parts to tools on demand, this is what real autonomy in deep space could look like. 📹 ESA/NASA #ESA #Astronaut #ISS