NASA continues its work on Mars. The Space Agency, which is looking for remains for life on the red planet, aims to bring various soil and rock samples from this region. Soil samples on the red planet could serve other purposes as research continues on the Martian surface.
Big savings can be achieved with a 3D printer
A research team at Washington State University (WSU) reveals that rock samples on Mars can be turned into a “high-performance material” that can power a 3D printer. Academics state that this development will provide great convenience in traveling to Mars.
It is stated that with the use of Martian rock and soil in 3D printers, basic vehicles and rocket parts can be produced on this planet. It is also believed that this way, the necessity of carrying heavy loads to Mars will be eliminated.
In space missions where carrying heavy materials is very costly, using 3D printers in this way can create great comfort. Space missions, which cost an additional $54,000 to bring 1 kg of material into Earth’s orbit, could thus become much easier.
Experts combined Martian rock dust with a Titanium alloy to create a suitable material. To create this mixture, scientists heated the materials to 2,000 degrees with a powerful laser beam. He states that the resulting material is both lighter and stronger than the Titanium mixture alone.
On the other hand, it is stated that the created material unfortunately cracks after cooling. It was stated that the material, which consists of 5 percent rock and 95 percent titanium alloy, is promising despite this result. Experts believe that new mixtures will be possible in the future, which can be created using more Martian soil and rock.
The 5% rate may seem small to you. But even a small reduction in carrying weight can save hundreds of thousands of dollars. So what do you think about materials that can be created with 3D printers? You can share your views with us in the comments section.
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