The Engineering Edge

In this expansion pack to Episode 1 - 3D Printers, Lucy talks to technologist and prototyping expert Jude Pullen (Big Life Fix, Great British Inventions with Sir David Jason) about the art of 3D printing in space and whether future astronauts will also need to be makers.

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The Engineering Edge Podcast returns to explores how everyday tech can be used in extraordinary ways. In S2 E1 Lucy discovers how 3D printers could transform the future of space exploration. She talks to Matt Napoli from Made in Space about recycling waste plastic and moon dirt into printer ink, Dr Tommaso Ghidini from the European Space Agency about how future explorers might 3D print new body parts and ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti about the art of 3D printing in space. Plus, can Lucy 3D print with earth dust? 

For more great shows, makes and content visit www.designspark.com/podcasts. If you enjoyed the show, don't forget to like, subscribe and tell a friend!

How can everyday tech give space-based atomic clocks... The Engineering Edge?

Professor Lucy Rogers PhD is heading to Surrey Space Centre, one of the world leaders for low-cost technology and applications for the space industry.

She is finding out how they are using everyday technology to develop a laser system for use in the next generation of atomic clocks, which are bound for space, replacing the microwaves currently used in existing clocks such as those in Galileo.

How can everyday tech give nuclear fusion energy... The Engineering Edge?

Professor Lucy Rogers PhD is heading to the UK's National Research Laboratory for Fusion Energy, the Culham Centre, in Oxfordshire.

It is the home of JET, the Joint European Torus, which is the world's largest operational magnetically confined plasma physics experiment. Culham Centre for Fusion Energy is researching how the process that powers the Sun could be turned into carbon-free, safe and abundant electricity for a cleaner planet.

But how have they been using everyday technology to provide the best possible conditions for experimentation and subsequent data analysis across Europe?

How can everyday tech give the UK's oldest theme park... The Engineering Edge?

Professor Lucy Rogers PhD is heading to Blackgang Chine, the UK's oldest theme park. Named after a coastal ravine, Blackgang Chine opened in 1840 and is still going strong today.

Being on an island, has often meant having to innovate to survive - and this mindset has been a really important part of Blackgang’s story. Most theme parks can attract people from miles away, however Blackgang Chine attracts people already on the Isle of Wight, who do not have huge budgets to spend.

So how have they been using technology to keep the theme park competitive?

How can everyday tech give drone pilots...The Engineering Edge?

Professor Lucy Rogers PhD is heading to the UK Drone Racing Open to witness some of Europe’s top pilots compete to be crowned the British Champion 2019. The top racers from this event will qualify for the world championships in China.

Listen as she wears the goggles and attempts to get an insight into the fast-paced world of drone racing. With so many parts and specifications to choose from, how do competitors master the task of creating the best possible drone? And with so many variables, how do you know which component is making the difference?