Metal 3D Printing and Heart Health on ISS

Image from NASA

Microgravity forging of metal parts

In early March 2025, NASA announced that aboard the International Space Station, the crew started conducting experiments in metal additive-manufacturing and studies in cardiovascular health.

Meanwhile, the metal 3D-printing activity leverages microgravity to study the solidification process of metals and the behavior of parts manufactured in space versus on Earth. At the same time, crew heart-health research gives context to materials science - you need healthy humans as well as reliable hardware for long-duration missions.

Why it matters for materials science and exploration

The manufacturing of metal parts on orbit reduces the need to launch every spare part from Earth and opens up design freedom unbound by terrestrial constraints. It also helps find out how metals and alloys behave without gravitational settling, thermal convection, or Earth-bound cooling patterns, informing next-generation spacecraft materials. For your interest in robotics and materials, this signals that the space habitat of the future will lean heavily on in-orbit fabrication of custom components.

Implications for engineering projects

Consider yourself a professional who develops 3D models and materials for robotics; you could be envisaging the creation of parts to be printed in space for a lunar or Martian habitat, instead of shipping them from Earth. The synergy between life-support, human health, and manufacturing of materials shows that developing new materials isn't about structure, but the whole ecosystem of explorers, machines, and the environment. This week's announcement invites thoughts on how your next nonprofit project may involve in-space manufacture, robotics integration, and microgravity's special constraints.