FLIGHT OPPORTUNITIES COMMUNITY OF PRACTICE WEBINAR
Spotlight on In-Space 3D Printing and the Value of the Flight Test
October 2, 2024
Speakers
- Hayden Taylor, Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley
- Taylor Waddell, Pathways Engineer, NASA’s Kennedy Space Center; Ph.D. student, University of California, Berkeley
- Kathleen Karika, Director for Research Operations, Virgin Galactic
Abstract
Join the October 2 webinar to learn about a new 3D printing technology that flew aboard Virgin Galactic’s VSS Unity as part of the Galactic 7 flight test in June 2024.
The payload from University of California, Berkeley tested a multi-material manufacturing technique known as computed axial lithography. Rather than printing in layers, this device uses light to solidify liquid and gel materials in a single step in microgravity. Future uses could range from printing spare parts for spacecraft to addressing medical-related issues during long-duration missions — all necessary to enable future long-duration space missions for NASA and the nation.
Through a conversation moderated by the Flight Opportunities team, representatives from UC Berkeley and Virgin Galactic will present the technology, discuss how the reusable suborbital spaceship provided the research team with conditions needed to evaluate the 3D printer’s in-space performance, and explore lessons learned during the flight test as well as what’s next.
