Space Manufacturin Taks Flicht: Glesca Researchers Pioneer 3D Printin in Zero Gravity

In a grundbrakin leap for space exploration, researchers fae the University o Glesca’s James Watt School o Engineerin hae made significant strides tae the development o orbital factories capable o 3D printin technology on demand in space. Dr. Gilles Bailet has bin awarded a patent for an innovative system aat tackles e challenges o 3D printin in zero-gravity environments. Iss technology wis rigorously tested aboard e research aircraft kent as e ‘vomit comet,’ fit simulates microgravity conditions.

Dr. Bailet emphasizes aat owercomin e hurdles o 3D printin in laa-gravity cuid revolutionise foo we manufacture equipment in orbit. Iss cuid lead tae the creation o solar reflectors for zero-carbon pouer generation, advanced communication antennae, an even drug research stations capable o producin purer pharmaceuticals.

For years, Dr. Bailet has focused on developin a prototype 3D printer tailored for ooter space. Unlike conventional printers aat rely on filaments, his design eeses a specially developed granular material aat performs effectively in e vacuum o space. Iss unique material can be drawn fae a feedstock tank an delivered tae the printer’s nozzle mair efficiently than traditional methods.

E research team is investigatin weys tae embed electronics intae the printed materials, pavin e wey for functional components in devices created in space. Dr. Bailet explains, “Currently, aathing aat gings intil Earth’s orbit is biggit on e surface an sent intil space on rockets. These rockets hae strict wecht limits an can damage cargo durin laanch. If we cuid establish fabricators in space, we wid eliminate these constraints, allouin for mair ambitious projects.”

E recent tests conducted durin e 85th European Space Agency parabolic flicht campaign demonstrated e prototype’s effectiveness in microgravity. E team monitored e printer’s dynamics an pouer consumption durin 22-second wechtless intervals, confirmmin aat e system performed as designed.

Dr. Bailet is optimistic aboot e future, statin, “We’ve tested e technology extensively in e lab an noo in microgravity. We’re confident it’s ready tae produce antennae an ither spacecraft pairts in space.” He pynts oot e potential for 3D-printed space reflectors tae harness solar energy continuously, contributin tae net-zero goals. Furthermair, crystals grown in space cuid yield improved drugs, sic as insulin aat is nine times mair effective, significantly enhancin e lives o diabetic patients.

Lookin aheid, Dr. Bailet an his team are sikkin fundin tae support e first demonstration o their technology in space. They are committed tae ensurin aat future manufacturin projects disnae exacerbate the growin issue o space debris. Iss pioneerin wark is backed by fundin fae the University o Glesca’s Glesca Knawledge Exchynge Fund an e EPSRC Impact Acceleration Accoont, alangside support fae the UK Space Agency.

E daw o space manufacturin is on e horizon, an wi it comes e promise o a new era in technology an sustainability ayont oor planet.