Chinese Figure Out How to 3D Print Metal From Space

[Brian_Krassenstein]

Reliability and strength are the key elements of any part meant to survive the brutal stresses inherent in the extraterrestrial environment, and research into creating functional aerospace components like that being done by CASTC is sure to spur similar projects in the West. As space programs look to travel further and further into the galaxy, the ability to make parts on demand out of metal will be a necessary piece of the puzzle. Chinese researchers have just revealed that they have the ability to print metals in space. Further details on this story may be found here: http://3dprint.com/29229/3d-print-space-metal-china/

[Feign]

I wasn't even aware that China is putting any of their people in space. Or was this thing tested in an entirely unmanned satellite that actually has a re-entry capability? Or is it just a speculative chunk of "me too" propaganda that they pressed out?

We probably won't know either way for quite a while.