To make an impression on people, however, as to the absolute magnitude of what 3D printing is doing for the world, let’s just take a look at how it’s affecting us even further, with space research—and future travel–today. If NASA wants to put untold sums into 3D printed rocket thrusters, spacesuits, crucial supporting components, and more, it’s safe to assume that we are in for quite a ride as the technology continues to evolve—and serve our many ambitions as a collective whole.
“The TPU probe, to be orbited from the ISS, was assembled and handed over to the Space Rocket Corporation Energiya for delivery to the Baikonur space launch center,” the TPU press service said.
“This is the first 3D-printed space probe ever built. Further advancement of this technology will eventually enable the mass-scale production of such small satellites,” the press release added.
On March 31, the nanosatellite is scheduled to be ferried by a Progress MS-2 rocket to the ISS. From there, it will be put into a 400 kilometer orbit by the ISS crew during a spacewalk. The 300mm X 100mm X 100mm cube, which will hold everything required of the research satellite, will then be in orbit for six months.
All of the data will be sent back to scientists who will analyze the data, and the mission itself, to see if these materials are indeed suitable for additional probes into space coming up. It is expected that the CubeSat itself will be undergoing ‘dramatic expansion’ as time goes on. Discuss this new development in the 3D Printed Russian CubeSat forum over at 3DPB.com.
[Source: Space Daily]