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Sending anything into orbit is dizzyingly expensive. To combat this, NASA has been looking for ways to produce materials for upgrades or repairs in space. But, until now, it has been a challenge to 3D print in the microgravity environment of the ISS — namely, the ABS and Green PE materials, which are not very resilient. Made in Space will facilitate astronauts taking far less into space, because currently, they must transport all materials and items with them from Earth. This will save future missions countless dollars which can better be used in research and development. The printer, however, has the potential to not only be reparative but progressive. As Made in Space’s website states, they “give researchers the ability to prototype tools and designs in the environment of space with short iteration cycles.”
Bremen Drop Tower:
With a height of 146 meters the Bremen Drop Tower is the main laboratory of ZARM and the only laboratory of this kind in Europe.
Every day it offers the most economic opportunity for short-term experiments under highest-quality conditions of weightlessness, comparable to one millionth of the Earth’s gravitational force (10-6 g). Since the implementation of the catapult system, a construction developed by ZARM engineers, the experiment duration has been extended to 9.3 seconds - unmatched by any other drop facility worldwide. |
II of II: How to test Your Own Experiment in Micro-gravity - European Space Agency
Due to its excellent microgravity conditions, the Bremen Drop Tower has received considerable international attention and is well occupied. Scientists from all over the world come to Bremen in order to experiment on different research fields like astrophysics, biology, chemistry, combustion, fluid dynamics, fundamental physics, and materials sciences as well as conduct technology tests preparing and qualifying hardware for future space missions.
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Science
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Technology
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Engineering
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Mathematics
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Empowerment
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