NASA has always built its spacecraft on Earth, but aerospace startup Tethers Unlimited is hoping to change that process by developing a system that combines 3D printing and robotic assembly to build spaceship parts in orbit. NASA is kicking in $500,000 in funding to the project, called SpiderFab, that will enable Tethers to begin testing and demonstrating manufacturing techniques. The money will bring the arachnid-looking concept one step closer to its goal of an in-space demo by 2020.
via The Verge - All Posts http://www.theverge.com/2013/8/31/4678046/nasa-funding-spiderfab-3d-printing-parts-in-space
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