Space-based 3D printing: National Research Council meeting Aug. 20 and 21

The National Research Council is launching a new study to explore the concept of additive manufacturing technologies — more popularly known as 3D printing — for space operations and the feasibility of space-based manufacturing of hardware or even a small, fully functioning spacecraft.  The study committee will hold its first information-gathering meeting Aug. 20 and 21 in Washington, D.C. The project’s objectives include identifying the science and technology gaps between current and required capabilities for space-based additive manufacturing and assessing the implications for launch requirements and in-space operations. 

DETAILS:

The meeting will be open to the public from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 20, in Room 101 and from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Aug. 21, in Room 204 of the National Academies’ Keck Center, 500 Fifth St., N.W.  Space is limited. Reporters who wish to attend should register in advance with the Office of News and Public Information; tel. 202-334-2138 or e-mail news@nas.edu.