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3 space 3D printing stories from 2023 to 2024

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Author : Jazmyn
Update time : 2024-01-15 15:18:26

3D printing plays a very important role in the aerospace field. Inconel 718 powder is a high-temperature alloy powder used for 3D printing, consisting of nickel, chromium, iron, manganese and other elements. This powder has excellent corrosion resistance and high temperature performance, and can maintain good mechanical properties and stability in high temperature environments.

1.

2024 space exploration will reach new heights, with lunar missions taking center stage. This year will see the much-anticipated Artemis II mission, a milestone in NASA's Artemis program that will return humans to the moon for the first time in 50 years. Orbit the moon on this historic journey. In addition to its lunar mission, Europa Clipper will fly to Jupiter's moon Europa to study its habitability and search for signs of life. New spacecraft debuts include Blue Origin's New Glenn, a heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle for commercial satellite missions, and the European Space Agency's (ESA) Ariane 6. A more versatile and competitive next-generation launch system for 5, the UK's Skyrora will make its first orbital journey in early 2024.
 
2024 will also see the launch of several key projects under NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, including Astrobotic Technology's Peregrine Lander, Intuitive Machines' Nova-C and Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost, all of which are designed to deliver effective payload to the moon. Additionally, NASA's VIPER rover will be exploring the lunar south pole water ice. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's (JAXA) Lunar Survey Smart Lander (SLIM) will demonstrate advanced lunar landing technology. At the same time, China's Chang'e-6 mission will conduct groundbreaking lunar sample returns from the moon's far side. With plans for its third, fourth, fifth and subsequent launches, SpaceX's Starship represents a major leap forward in cost-effective and sustainable space travel, with ambitions extending to missions to Mars.
In 2024, space exploration will see a wave of anticipated advances, and the role of 3D printing will be compelling and far-reaching. This approach to space exploration has changed the way we think about manufacturing in space, providing a host of solutions that promise to make space missions more efficient and sustainable. As we look ahead to the vast potential of 3D printing in space exploration, let's pause to appreciate the progress this innovative field is making in 2023.

2.

Launcher lifts off

In a major move in the field of 3D printing in space, Vast, a pioneer in space habitats, has acquired California-based small launch vehicle manufacturer Launcher. The acquisition combines Launcher's expertise in developing high-performance rocket engines with Vast's ambitious mission to create an artificial gravity space station. Launcher has a track record of developing high-performance rocket engines using additive manufacturing (AM) giants like Velo3D and AMCM. This expertise in additive manufacturing, combined with Vast's mission to create an artificial gravity space station, holds great promise for the future of 3D printing in space.
Vast's ambitious goal is to build a 100-meter-long artificial gravity space station capable of housing more than 40 people in orbit. The project highlights the growing role of 3D printing in space exploration. Additionally, Vast's acquisition of Launcher indicates that additive manufacturing is becoming integral to advanced space technology. With Launcher founder Max Haot taking on a leadership role at Vast, a team of more than 120 employees will combine their rocket engineering and 3D printing expertise to make this vision a reality.

3.

Virgin Orbit declares bankruptcy.

Virgin Orbit, once valued at $3.7 billion and traded on Nasdaq, faced a grim end in 2023, filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and ceasing operations. This development is frustrating, especially considering the company's original commitment to 3D-printed space hardware. Virgin Orbit's woes came to a head after a failed launch attempt in January when its LauncherOne rocket developed an anomaly that shut down prematurely and failed to reach orbit.
Despite incorporating 3D printing into its rocket manufacturing process and achieving some success, such as reducing engine manufacturing cycle times tenfold, Virgin Orbit has been unable to secure the long-term funding needed to recover from the setback. The company's stock price plummeted more than 90% between December 2022 and March 2023, marking a challenging period for the aerospace industry. Virgin Orbit's difficulties highlight the competitive nature of the space startup world and the importance of ensuring continued funding and reliable rocket launches.
Virgin Orbit's woes are part of a larger trend in the space industry in which several startups, including one that leverages 3D printing technology, face difficulties getting rockets into orbit. This challenging situation, coupled with technical layoffs and outsourcing in the aerospace sector, points to the complex dynamics in the changing space exploration landscape.

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