US space agency Nasa is planning to launch a 3D printer
into space next year to help astronauts manufacture essential parts in zero
gravity.
One of the biggest obstacles to space exploration is that you need to take everything with you: food, tools, equipment, spare parts - the lot.
Being able to print parts instead would reduce the cost of missions and allow astronauts to produce the things they need on-demand, allowing them to travel farther from the Earth.
It will be the first time a 3D printer has been used in space.
The 3D printer will be about the size of a microwave oven and will have to be able to withstand very shaky lift-off vibrations and operate safely in an enclosed space station environment.
Nasa is also experimenting 3D printing small satellites that could be launched from the International Space Station and then transmit data to Earth.
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