Space

Astronauts can now 3D print their own space tools. Here's how

The International Space Station is seen with the docked space shuttle Endeavour in this photo provided by NASA and taken May 23, 2011. The photo was taken by Expedition 27 crew member Paolo Nespoli from the Soyuz TMA-20 following its undocking and is the first-ever image of a space shuttle docked to the International Space Station.     REUTERS/NASA/Handout (UNITED STATES - Tags: SCI TECH) FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. IT IS DISTRIBUTED, EXACTLY AS RECEIVED BY REUTERS, AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS - RTR2NEY1

Printing tools in zero gravity means astronauts will no longer have to wait weeks for replacements Image:  REUTERS/NASA/Handout

Emma Luxton
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 The Additive Manufacturing Facility, a commercial 3D printer aboard the International Space Station, printed this wrench (its first tool) in June 2016.
Image: NASA/Made In Space/Lowe's
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SpaceEmerging TechnologiesFourth Industrial Revolution
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