Bremen brings 3D printer for the moon and Mars-revolution in space!

A Bremen research team develops innovative 3D printer that are designed for use in space. The aim of this project is to produce missing parts directly on site on the moon or Mars. This could significantly reduce transport costs, which are currently around 100,000 euros per kilo to the moon and several million euros to Mars. The team consists of three students, a research assistant and the logistics professor Yilmaz Uygun.

The planned 3D printer should be able to move like a crab and anchor on the respective celestial body. The energy supply takes place via solar panels, while the pressure material is first transported into space in powder form. In the long term, a solution is being worked on to gain materials directly from space, for example through asteroid raw material extraction. The transport of spare parts to the international space station (ISS) or other room stations is not only expensive, but also extremely complex.

technological possibilities and developments

The 3D printer is able to print parts up to a size of three meters and heavy tools. The device was originally developed for use in wind turbines. The team is currently working on a smaller model before a printer is designed in its original size. The technology must withstand both extreme temperature fluctuations and weightlessness.

The research project has already attracted the attention of the aerospace industry. The team has founded a start-up and is active in the space traveler of the European Space Organization (ESA). The first experiments with the 3D printer on the moon are already being planned and could be carried out at the next moon missions, as Buten . Further details on the developments also come from chip.de and show the promising perspectives of technology.