Nasa is preparing to launch a 3D 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 jewellery.

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

"Any time we realise we can 3D 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.

"If you want to be adaptable you have to be able to design and manufacture on the fly, and that's where 3D printing in space comes in," said Dave Korsmeyer, director of engineering at Nasa's Ames research centre at Moffett Field, about 35 miles south of San Francisco.

For the first 3D printer in space test planned for autumn 2014, Nasa had more than a dozen machines to choose from, ranging from 300 dollar (185) desktop models to 500,000 dollar (310,000) warehouse builders.

All of them, however, were built for use on Earth, and space travel presented challenges, from the loads and vibrations of launch to the stresses of working in orbit, including microgravity, differing air pressures, limited power and variable temperatures.

As a result, Nasa hired Silicon Valley start-up Made In Space to build something entirely new.

"Imagine an astronaut needing to make a life-or-death repair on the International Space Station," said Aaron Kemmer, CEO of Made in Space. "Rather than hoping that the necessary parts and tools are on the station already, what if the parts could be 3D printed when they needed them?"

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Nasa planning 3D printer in space