14 DAY TRIAL // Taking 3D printing technology into space has already been discussed, but while some are preparing to blast off with a 3D printer aboard, NASA is setting up all it needs to 3D print its next big project.
You see, it was about time NASA got a new telescope into orbit. The Hubble is awesome, and there are a whole bunch of other ultraviolet observatories, as well as X-Ray and Gamma ray machines up there.
Now, NASA is preparing to make the next big telescope, built under the watchful eye of aerospace engineer Jason Budinoff.
It is his plan to use 3D printing technology for all the parts, save for the lenses. Those still need to be molded and shaped with a degree of care and precision that 3D printing tech cannot provide yet.
That means that optical mounts, outer tubes, and the baffles will all be produced through additive manufacturing technology.
Oddly enough, the telescope will actually be very small. As in really, really small. 2 inches in length, to be precise (50 mm).
Since 3D printing actual structures in orbit probably won't happen for 10-20-30 or more years yet, this should be a nice stepping stone. A 14-inch dual channel telescope should follow soon as well.