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German startup 3D prints first rigid beam in space
Original: German startup Orbital Matter has 3D printed the first rigid beam in the vacuum of space, on its Replicator 2 satellite
German space startup Orbital Matter says it has 3D printed the first rigid beam in the vacuum of space aboard its Replicator 2 satellite, which launched on a SpaceX rideshare mission this summer. The printers extrude UV-cured resin coils to build booms that can deploy solar arrays. Founded in 2022 and backed with around 3 million dollars, the company is presenting the feat as a milestone for in-space manufacturing.
Why now: A successful first-ever demonstration of rigid 3D printing in space is a notable technological milestone for the space industry.
Orbital MatterReplicator 2SpaceX
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