Bootstrapping a Solar System Civilization, OSTP “There’s interest outside government as well, with various private companies that see a potential business in mining of asteroids and celestial objects for use in space. Recently, I caught up Dr. Phillip Metzger, a former research physicist at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center who has recently joined the faculty of the University of Central Florida, to discuss the longer term goal of “bootstrapping a solar […]

National Research Council Report Says It’s Too Soon for 3-D Printing to Significantly Enhance Space Operations, SpaceRef Business “A National Research Council report, 3D Printing in Space, says it’s too soon for 3-D Printing to significantly enhance space operations. Released today, the report includes several recommendations including that NASA and the Air Force should jointly cooperate, possibly with other agencies and industry, “to to research, identify, develop, and gain consensus […]

Made In Space 3D Printer Gets Green Light from NASA for Launch, SpaceRef “After passing the last NASA test, Made In Space will see its 3D printer launched to the International Space Station (ISS) in August by SpaceX as part of NASA’s 4th Commercial Resupply mission (CRS-4). Originally the 3D printer was scheduled to fly on the SpaceX CRS-5 mission but because the company met all its milestones early the […]

Hot-Fire Tests Show 3-D Printed Rocket Parts Rival Traditionally Manufactured Parts, NASA “What can survive blazing temperatures of almost 6,000 degrees Fahrenheit without melting? What did not break apart at extreme pressures? What is made by a new process that forms a complex part in just one piece? What takes less than three weeks to go from manufacturing to testing? What can reduce the costs of expensive rocket parts by […]

3D Systems and Planetary Resources Announce Investment and Collaboration, SpaceRef Business “3D Systems and Planetary Resources, Inc. today announced that 3D Systems has joined Planetary Resources’ core group of investors and will be a collaborative partner in assisting Planetary Resources to develop and manufacture components of its ARKYD Series of spacecraft using its advanced 3D printing and digital manufacturing solutions.” “We are excited to work very closely with Planetary Resources’ […]

Hot-Fire Tests Steering the Future of NASA’S Space Launch System Engines, NASA “Engineers developing NASA’s next-generation rocket closed one chapter of testing with the completion of a J-2X engine test series on the A-2 test stand at the agency’s Stennis Space Center in Mississippi and will begin a new chapter of full motion testing on test stand A-1. … The March 7 test, which set the short-lived duration record, was […]