SPACE FACTORIES
The prime challenge of living in space – besides the inherent danger – is figuring out how to bring enough with you to survive. Equipment, oxygen, food and water all need to be hauled there, but could there be an alternative solution?
Foster + Partners created this 1.5tonne building block using 3D printing
Every single kilogram that must be hauled into space for human crew requirements represents one kilogram less that can be used for science experiments. More capable rockets is one solution to this problem. But what about actually making the components and food you need on site? The idea isn’t as far-fetched as it sounds. The European Space Agency (ESA), NASA and others are testing out 3D printing as a way to manufacture structures, rocket parts and even pizza.