3D printing's prospects are out of this world -- literally. Additive manufacturing is already being tested out in space thanks to NASA and Made in Space's 3D printing attempts on the International Space Station now. A major application that remains a little farther off is to ultimately use 3D printing to create structures on non-terrestrial bodies like the moon, other planets, and even asteroids. Researchers from NASA's Kennedy Space Center have been working to develop solutions to materials issues, and recently presented initial findings on the potential for using in-situ materials like basalt for 3D printing. Check out details on this research and its potential future applications: http://3dprint.com/30302/3d-printing-on-moon-mars/


Below is a photo (courtesy Abigale Harrison) of 3D printed regolith: