Sometime next fall NASA plans to launch a 3D Printer the size of the average toaster into space. The printer will allow astronauts to print out small parts, whether it's to fix the space shuttle, or perform an operation on the space station. It could be the difference between life or death, as currently every extra pound of material that is brought to space costs an exponential amount in fuel for lift off. The fact that they can bring a small printer and only print what they need will save NASA a tremendous amount of money and perhaps even saves lives.

More details: http://www.theguardian.com/science/2...-printer-space
http://www.straitstimes.com/breaking-news/world/story/nasa-preparing-launch-3d-printer-space-20130930