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Made In Space and Braskem launch 3D printing recycling facility aboard the ISS

Californian off-world manufacturerMade In Space(MIS) has partnered withBraskem,一家巴西石化公司,为3D打印零件开发塑料回收设施,以发送到International Space Station(ISS). The facility, named Braskem Recycler, will be launched to the ISS aboard诺斯罗普·格鲁曼(Northrop Grumman)‘s upcoming 12th commercial resupply mission (NG-12) no later than November 2 2019.

The Recycler aims to improve the sustainability of the station’s manufacturing capabilities. It is designed to convert plastic waste and 3D printed objects into feedstock for the additive manufacturing systems currently onboard the ISS. Potentially, this can help create a near-closed loop manufacturing system, and therefore reduce the reliance on feedstock resupply missions from Earth for space exploration.

“Local manufacturing resources are a crucial capability for space exploration,” commented MIS Chief Engineer Michael Snyder.

“Demonstrating and validating recycling capabilities on the ISS is an important step towards developing sustainable manufacturing systems that will enable us to venture deeper into the solar system.”

The Braskem Recycler. Photo via Made In Space.
The Braskem Recycler. Photo via Made In Space.

Pioneering 3D printing in space

MIS aims to deliver next-generation manufacturing in orbit to support exploration objectives and national security priorities. It is focused on industrializing the space environment by developing manufacturing facilities and materials for use beyond Earth.

A large focus of its technology portfolio space has revolved around additive manufacturing, with MIS being the first company to place a 3D printer on the ISS. Known as theAdditive Manufacturing Facility(AMF), MIS’ 3D printer has now produced over 200 tools, assets, and parts in orbit.

自从launching the AMFin 2016, MIS has gone on to other, varied and larger-scale fabrication projects including the satellite-buildingArchinaut system,能够在3D打印低重力条件for外界制造业。MIS被授予$73.7 million contract from NASAin July 2019 to demonstrate 3D printing in a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) using the Archinaut One.

In 2018,NASAalso awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract to MIS for the development of its瓦肯混合动力制造系统, capable of working more than 30 different materials covering both polymers and metals. Essentially an upgrade of the AMF, the Vulcan will have subtractive manufacturing toolheads in addition to 3D printing capabilities.

The original Made In Space Additive Manufacturing Facility (AMF) now aboard the ISS. Photo via Made In Space
The original Made In Space Additive Manufacturing Facility (AMF) now aboard the ISS. Photo via Made In Space

Recycling in space for circular additive manufacturing

Once MIS and Braskem’s Recycler reaches the ISS, it will be capable of producing recycled feedstock compatible with the AMF. Plastic waste and materials can be loaded into the facility and subsequently reduced into smaller pieces. These parts are then heated, extruded, and spooled to create the required feedstock. The process is mostly automated, with the only manual stage involving material loading. The facility will demonstrate its recycling capabilities with a specific polyethylene, developed by Braskem, called “I’m green” Biobased PE.

“On Earth, we are committed to a joint effort, involving our customers, value chain partners and society at large, to find more sustainable solutions through the use of plastic,” added Braskem CEO, Fernando Musa. “In space, by supporting Made In Space, we have the opportunity to contribute to reducing mission costs and optimizing the transported weight.”

NASA和TETHERS UNLIMITED INC. REDABRICATOR RECYCLER和3D打印机,应在2018年ISS上发布。照片通过:NASA/MSFC/Emmett提供
NASA and Tethers Unlimited Inc. Refabricator recycler and 3D printer, Photo via NASA/MSFC/Emmett Given.

As the Recycler can potentially reduce the need for resupply missions, this can create important benefits for future long-duration space exploration by improving reusability and sustainability of manufacturing processes in space. NASA also recently installed an integrated3D打印机和塑料回收器known as the备用器由美国航空公司开发的国际空间站Tethers Unlimited Inc.(TUI). The provision of spare parts to maintain the ISS is a significant part of NASA’s in-space manufacturing (ISM) roadmap. It has already explored the太空中的3D打印的潜力to minimize the cost of spare parts and enable in-situ resource production in the future.

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Featured image shows the Braskem Recycler. Photo via Made In Space.