Industry

ESA's ISS Metal Printer Produces More Space-Manufactured Thrusters

2026-10-02 · Impact score: 38

ESA has announced that the fifth metal sample from the International Space Station has returned to Earth. The sample includes the first batch of space-manufactured thrusters. Astronauts retrieved it from the printer in the Columbus module in July. The sample contains four components. Two small thrusters were designed by the German Aerospace Center (DLR). ESA sent the printer to the space station in January 2024. DLR will conduct vacuum thermal tests, comparing them with identical components manufactured on Earth. This validates the precision and pressure/temperature resistance of space-made parts.

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ESA国际空间站金属打印机再产更多太空制造推进器

欧空局宣布，国际空间站第五个金属样品返回地球。样品含首批太空制造推进器。宇航员七月从哥伦布舱打印机取出。样品有四个部件。两个小推进器由德国航空航天中心设计。欧空局2024年1月把打印机送上空间站。德国航空航天中心将做真空热试车。它对比地球制造的同类部件。这验证太空部件的精度与耐压耐温性能。

🧪 Related Material Grades

Metal powder grades mentioned in this article — specs, live prices & verified suppliers

316L Stainless Steel Powder

15-45 µm / 15-53 µm

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17-4PH Stainless Steel Powder

15-45 µm / 15-53 µm

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Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 5) Titanium Powder

15-45 µm / 15-53 µm / 45-105 µm

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AlSi10Mg Aluminum Alloy Powder

15-45 µm / 20-63 µm

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Inconel 718 Nickel Superalloy Powder

15-45 µm / 15-53 µm

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18Ni300 Maraging Steel Powder

15-53 µm

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