NASA will 3D Print Almost An Entire Imaging Telescope

[Brian_Krassenstein]

If you thought NASA was already incredibly advanced with their 3D printing ambitions, then this may surprise you even more. NASA plans on 3D printing an entire imaging telescope next month using titanium and aluminum powder. This will include everything but the mirrors and lenses, and eventually even the mirrors will be 3D printed. By 3D printing the parts they replace 20-40 pieces with just 4 3D printed pieces, and save a ton of time and money. More details on this story can be found here: http://3dprint.com/11314/nasa-3d-print-telescope

Below is a quick diagram of the telescope they will print.

[Cannon Gray]

NASA now aims not only to print telescopes but also as part of the Artemis program, NASA has developed a project to create 3D-printed elements that will make it possible to build cheap housing for permanent residence on the Moon.