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Retrospective source review
Earlier records were checked against available source text. Corroborated core results do not establish engineering readiness, exact experiment dates or independent replication. Records needing corrections or further evidence are held in the research archive.
NASA / Made In Space, Inc. · 24 November 2014
Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing) in Microgravity
First successful 3D printing of a plastic object (an extruder faceplate) in space using the 3D Printing in Zero-G experiment.
HISTORICAL FOUNDATIONSpace mining: in-space manufacturing and constructionIN_SPACE_DEMONSTRATIONconfidence: high
Search window: 1900-01-01 → 2026-08-23Record: 20260922_002358_historical_space-mining-in-space-manufacturing-and-construction.json
Why it matters
This demonstration proved that additive manufacturing is possible in microgravity, providing the technical basis for on-demand manufacturing and orbital construction, reducing reliance on Earth-based supply chains.
Verified claims
First successful 3D printing of a plastic object in space using the 3D Printing in Zero-G experiment.
Limitations
- No explicit limitations recorded.
Sources
Open for Business: 3-D Printer Creates First Object in Space on International Space Station - NASANASA · 2014-11-25 · primary