Scientists on the International Space Station (ISS) have successfully 3D printed a metal part in space - an out-of-this-world first. The achievement is significant, as this 3D fabrication capability is thought to be key for the success of future long-duration missions.

Astronauts from the European Space Agency (ESA) have managed to 3D-print items out of metal for the first time, the agency recently announced. Until this breakthrough, orbital additive processes could only build stuff using plastic filament.

In a groundbreaking advancement for space exploration, astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) have successfully 3D-printed a metal part in space for the first time. This achievement marks a major milestone in the development of in-orbit manufacturing capabilities,

This is because when creating metal structures, molten metal is often used as part of the filament, or printable medium. In space, its behavior can be unpredictable, which can result in poor-quality objects,