For the first time ever, a metal object made in space has returned to Earth!

This exciting achievement was made possible by the European Space Agency (ESA) using a special 3D printer on the International Space Station (ISS).

Now, the metal part is back on Earth and being studied at ESA’s technical center in the Netherlands, called ESTEC.

The metal 3D printer was developed by Airbus and its partners.

ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen installed it in the ISS’s Columbus module during his Huginn mission in January 2024. In June, the printer successfully created its first test print—an “S”-shaped curvy line.

Later in the summer, it produced a full metal sample, followed by a second sample in December.

Now that the first sample has returned to Earth, scientists at ESTEC’s Materials and Electrical Components Laboratory will carefully examine it.

They want to see how microgravity—the near-weightless environment of space—affects 3D printing. They will compare it to similar parts printed on Earth to understand any differences.

The second sample will be sent to the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) for further study.

Why is this important?

While plastic 3D printing has been done on the ISS before, this is the first time metal has been printed in space.

This is a big step forward for space exploration! Future astronauts on long missions, like trips to Mars or the Moon, won’t be able to rely on frequent supply deliveries from Earth.

Instead, they will need to manufacture their own tools, repair broken equipment, and create essential parts on demand. Metal 3D printing in space could make missions more self-sufficient and reduce costs.

This first successful experiment is just the beginning. As scientists continue to test and improve space manufacturing, astronauts may one day be able to build entire structures in space using 3D printers. This technology could play a key role in future deep-space exploration, making space travel safer and more sustainable.

With this achievement, ESA has taken a major step toward a future where astronauts can create what they need—right where they are. Stay tuned for more discoveries as space technology continues to evolve!

Source: European Space Agency.