First Metal Object 3D-Printed in Space Recovered on Earth

The first metal thingamajig ever 3D printed in space has landed on Earth, where European Space Agency (ESA) scientists are now studying it. In a press release, the ESA announced that the object — a round metal demonstration part, produced on the International Space Station, that features a variety of stubby cylindrical objects — is now safely in the hands of agency scientists in the Netherlands. 🤘 Space metal lands on Earth 🌍 The first ever metal part 3D-printed on orbit is here 🛰️🔧 Made on the @Space_Station in @esa’s Metal 3D Printer - built by @AirbusSpace & installed by @Astro_Andreas during #Huginn - it has arrived at @esa’s site in the Netherlands for testing… pic.twitter.com/mXUXRQASEu — Human Spaceflight (@esaspaceflight) February 27, 2025 At the ESA's European Space Research and Technology Center (ESTEC), scientists will soon conduct quality analysis experiments to see what differences show up in objects manufactured in zero-gravity environments. A second, similarly 3D-pr ... Read full article.