What Are The Benefits of 3D Printing in Space?
Recently 3D printing has moved from a hobbyist's best friend to one of the most useful tools in nearly every industry. With a computer and a bit of heat, you can turn strings of plastic filament into nearly anything. More advanced types of 3D printers can even lay down layers of metal, glass, or cement. There is even a 3D printer in orbit above the Earth on the International Space Station. What are the benefits of 3D printing in space and will we see more of it in the future?
How Did SpaceX Convert Two Oil Rigs into Launch Pads?
As space travel evolves, so too will its launch sites. Instead of building stationary launch pads like the ones that NASA and other space agencies have used traditionally, SpaceX is working to convert two floating oil rigs into off-shore launch pads. How is SpaceX turning oil rigs into launch pads?
How Are Spaceflight Inc.’s Sherpa Vehicles Improving Satellite Launch?
Traditionally, satellites were simply strapped to larger rockets designed to push them into higher orbits, but this can be an incredible waste of fuel and resources. However, Spaceflight Inc.’s Sherpa vehicles may help change that. So what are Sherpa vehicles, and how are they supporting satellite launches?
Why Are Satellites So Important?
SpaceX has been launching 60 satellites at a time as part of their Starlink constellation. When complete, this network will provide high-speed, low-latency internet to the entire world. This project provides one example of a type of satellite orbiting at various heights above the planet’s surface. Why are satellites so essential?