NASA

Martha Mendoza The Associated Press

Sep. 30, 2013 at 1:17 PM ET

Marcio Jose Sanchez / AP

Project manager Matthew Napoli, left, and director of research and development Michael Snyder test a 3-D printer that eventually will be used in space on Sept. 16 at Made in Space in Mountain View, Calif.

MOFFETT FIELD, Calif. NASA is preparing to launch a 3-D printer into space next year, a toaster-sized game changer that greatly reduces the need for astronauts to load up with every tool, spare part or supply they might ever need.

The printers would serve as a flying factory of infinite designs, creating objects by extruding layer upon layer of plastic from long strands coiled around large spools. Doctors use them to make replacement joints and artists use them to build exquisite jewelry.

In NASA labs, engineers are 3-D printing small satellites that could shoot out of the Space Station and transmit data to Earth, as well as replacement parts and rocket pieces that can survive extreme temperatures.

"Any time we realize we can 3-D print something in space, it's like Christmas," said inventor Andrew Filo, who is consulting with NASA on the project. "You can get rid of concepts like rationing, scarce or irreplaceable."

The spools of plastic could eventually replace racks of extra instruments and hardware, although the upcoming mission is just a demonstration printing job.

Link:

NASA hopes 3-D printers will let astronauts make own parts in space