Space 3D printing boosts China's latest manned spacecraft venture
Experiment equipments were installed in the manned spacecraft. (Photo provided to China News Service)
(ECNS)-- China's new large carrier rocket Long March-5B conducted its maiden flight on Tuesday, with space 3D printing applied inside the experimental manned spacecraft, according to the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).
With the rapid development of 3D printing technology, it is becoming possible to print spacecraft parts in space.
The research team at CAS's Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization developed "in-orbit fine forming experiment equipment," combining in-orbit manufacturing technology with stereoscopic lithography 3D printing, overcoming the major challenge of weightlessness in space.
Experiments in material friction and microgravity were also conducted.
The new technologies will pave the way for further construction of China's space station and offer prospective research and technical test data.
The Long March-5B carrier rocket blasted off from Wenchang Space Launch Center in south China's Hainan Province.
The new manned spacecraft is designed to adapt to multiple tasks including low-Earth orbit missions and deep-space explorations.
