For my FEDD project, I am doing the 3D printing design project and one of our research components is to study the pros and cons of 3D printing. While searching for an opinion article on the topic, I stumbled upon this really interesting article. If you have a few minutes, you should totally read the article, but in summary a group called “Made in Space” is developing 3D printing technology that can operate in low-gravity environments. Currently, one of their mechanisms is aboard the ISS and has been used to print hundreds of small gadgets and tools. The implications of this technology for long-term goals relating to space colonization are massive. Having the ability to 3D print pieces of technology and infrastructure would enable people to create large pieces of equipment in space instead of sending rocket after rocket of supplies into space.
I think that as far as methods for colonizing space go, this idea isn’t too bad. It seems like a resourceful method because it would reduce the number of rocket trips to space and because of the nature of 3D printing. In my FEDD project research, sources used the term “additive” when describing the 3D printing production process because it differs from traditional production techniques in which objects are cut from a larger block until the desired shape is created. So I think this idea does have some merit, should technology continue to evolve to further support the process.
Considering a different perspective though, this could seriously damage the economy surrounding space colonization and potentially even manufacturing in general. Investing in 3D printing will be harmful for industries who produce the various technical pieces and those that provide the natural resources and metals to create the final products. One could argue that exploring 3D printing will also create new job opportunities, but I imagine that any significant transition away from traditional manufacturing will be extremely controversial.
So is 3D printing a worthy investment? Well, I think it depends on your values. It appears to be largely more sustainable, but could have some serious economic impacts. This relates back to our class discussion about the “system”- do we go against the system for an option that is potentially better for the environment or do we choose the traditional method for simplicity’s sake?