The commercial space industry has astounded us with visuals of reusable rockets landing on barges and visions of Martian colonies. Firms such as SpaceX have ignited both passions and portfolios with lofty dreams. As we’ve pointed out previously, however, it was NASA that laid the ground work for the commercial space race—especially the 3D printed portion of it. 3D printing also seems set to build Mars habitats, repair craft on long space voyages and even be used for the in space construction of space stations. Right now, commercial space launch companies all currently use 3D printing for rocket engine components.
3D Printing Satellites’ Soaring Success: A Billion-Dollar Opportunity
A Thales Alenia-built SGDC communications satellite with 3D printed parts for Brazil. Image courtesy of Thales Alenia Space.