Shapeways are sending young designers on a mission to create tools that can be 3D printed and used in space.
In collaboration with Future Engineers, ASME and Made in Space, the project is part of a series of NASA developed Space Challenges made to encourage young people to get involved in modern technology.
The #MissionPrint Challenge plans to add to the momentum of the Made In Space Zero-G 3D Printer which made its way to the ISS last week, making manufacturing history in space.
This is the first in a series of NASA developed 3D Space Challenges that Future Engineers along with other Shapeways partners are bringing to the maker community. The idea is to use additive manufacturing to create tools in the space environment that traditional manufacturing methods simply cannot produce.
Shapeways is enthusiastic about this new generation of makers. Over on the Shapeways blog it says: “Kids are powering innovative developments in 3D printing across the unique web of our industry’s reach. They are opening shops on Shapeways, printing on desktop printers in their classrooms, and mod-ing their toys at home. There are dozen of touching stories of kids literally enabling the future of 3D printed prosthetics. And perhaps most profound of all, they can see what we can’t. Young minds aren’t limited by the bounds of conventional design and manufacturing constraints.”
There are several prizes up for grabs for the winning designs with the overall winner getting the chance to have their tool printed in Zero-G’s on the ISS which they can watch live from Mission Control.
For competition details visit FutureEngineers.org.