Space exploration and additive manufacturing (AM) are accelerating rapidly. SpaceX was able to reach orbital velocity with its latest starship launch, providing beautiful imagery upon its reentry. Rocket Lab had its 45th launch, with 22 additional launches planned for this year, and the first metal 3D printer installation on the International Space Station (ISS). With these accomplishments achieved, where will AM fit into our space journey's future? 

To find out, Host Fabian Alefeld ventures into the final frontier with a space roundtable with an all-star panel, featuring Paul Gradl, Principal Engineer at NASA, Myles Keefer, Manager of Additive Manufacturing at Rocket Lab, Eliana Fu, Industry Manager of Aerospace & Medical at TRUMPF, and Advenit Makaya, Advanced Manufacturing Engineer at the European Space Research and Technology Centre of the European Space Agency. 

Comments about the show or wish to share your AM journey? Contact us at [email protected]. The Additive Snack Podcast is brought to you by EOS. 

Key takeaways: 

[2:28] Additive manufacturing is a critical component of space exploration.  

[5:50] Common additive manufacturing challenges in space applications. 

[10:57] Additive manufacturing adoption in Europe. 

[13:28] Challenges of materials development today, and in the future. 

[26:16] How to leverage additive manufacturing for new innovative projects. 

[40:30] Machine manufacturer pain points and challenges. 

[51:48] What is driving additive innovation in Europe? 

[1:00:17] How to inspire a new generation of manufacturing engineers. 

Resource links: 

EOS 

Rocket Lab 

TRUMPF 

SpaceX 

NASA 

European Space Agency