How the artist presents a NASA Ingenuity Mars helicopter on the surface of Mars, after it has been mounted … [+]
NASA / JPL-Caltech
On Thursday, February 18thth 2021, NASA’s Perseverance rover, which was launched for Mars last July, succeeded down to the surface of the Red Planet. This historic mission, ready to explore the Martian surface for traces of ancient life, is preparing to reach another milestone soon: attempting the first flight by human plane / vehicle on another world. The helicopter-like device, called Ingenuity, is currently on board the Stability and as it was Friday, February 19thth 6:30 pm EST, working as usual.
As 2021 gets off to a good start, it’s important to look back at the milestones achieved in 2020 that could be an important part of future missions to environments outside the world. Land.
Some of the most interesting news that came out of 2020 was a largely unconscious scientific advancement. Nature Communication report that carbon dioxide can now be converted to jet fuel using an iron-based catalyst. This affects low-cost air travel, but more interestingly, off-world fuel production. Chemists anticipate that there will be no obstacles in increasing this chemical reaction. Only product process optimization is required.
Another unforeseen development in 2020 was the KSTAR device in Korea maintaining plasma at over 180 million degrees Fahrenheit for 20 seconds. This is a major step towards achieving economically sustainable nuclear fusion.
Although these are years away from being useful, they are important milestones towards becoming a Type 1 civilization on the Kardashev scale (which classifies advanced civilizations based on the energy they use. ). As more energy is used, progressive societies become intertwined just as Kardashev thought.
It was a really good year
As we are just beginning our space odyssey, a major advance in 3D printing for space-related applications occurred in 2020.
Roll over Robert
Robert Goddard and Wernher von Braun appear to be crossing in their graves. None of them would recognize how rockets are made today. From 3D printed rocket parts to complete engines themselves, 3D printing has been used commercially. Its advantages include lower costs, lighter components, and design freedom that leads to a reduction in the number of parts and assembly.
As of 2020, NASA was working with U.S.-based companies such as Aerojet Rocketdyne, Blue Origin, and Space Relativity to launch 3D print rocket engines, vehicles and landing models. India-based Skyroot, in September 2020, unveiled its fully-printed 3D cryogenic rocket engine, Dhawan-1, which will be used to launch satellites into orbit later this year.
Out of this world
The ability to 3D print outside the world (in zero or low gravity environments) requires technological luxury and an understanding of the performance of machines and materials in microgravity. These environments can produce higher quality components due to less distortion than that produced in stronger pressure than the Earth.
Astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) have been printing 3D parts since 2014, using the US-based Additive Space In Space (AMF) Manufacturing Facility. By 2020, the AMF has taken over 200 devices, assets and parts aboard the ISS.
At the end of 2020, the Made in Space Ceramic Manufacturing Module was used to 3D print the first ceramic parts in space. These ceramic parts are for turbines and are expected to be released to Earth later this year. This could be an important concept for manufacturing operations that will be hubs for exporting high-quality parts back to Earth.
Looking to the future
After entering 2021, our space odyssey continues with even more exciting developments around the corner. Look out for:
Living off the land
Due to the current high cost of transporting every kilogram to space, it is vital that you use as much material as possible outside of the world.
NASA is working with US-based ICON to develop technologies for 3D printing structures and homes on the Moon with regolith, surface dust found on the Moon or Mars made up of dust, broken rocks, and materials looking for another. NASA has also partnered with architecture firm AI SpaceFactory to develop lunar regolith-like materials for 3D print structures and houses.
In addition, carbon dioxide in the Martian atmosphere (95%) can be catalyzed by iron from Martian soil (5 – 14%) to produce fuel for electric power generation, heating, and for vehicles operating on the Red Planet. Water is the result of this reaction. The water can be purified for human consumption or separated into hydrogen and oxygen for human consumption or combustion by the use of the fuel produced.
Vibrant communities
Long-term ownership of lunar or Martian centers requires more than just technology centers like the ISS. They need to be vibrant communities with modern amenities, including office buildings, housing, supermarkets, entertainment arcs, and nearby power sources.
NASA’s partnership with AI SpaceFactory is designing 3D printed environments for settlements on Mars. His innovative solution is MARSHA (MARS HAbitat), a 3D printed structure that addresses problems including radiation protection, circadian lighting, thermal expansion, and even the mental well-being of residents. .
Also look for advances in 3D printed batteries and power generators for outdoor space. NASA recently awarded a contract to US-based KULR Technology Group to build 3D printed batteries for future space missions. The company’s technologies enable batteries that are lighter and cooler, as well as safer by preventing thermal damage to surrounding equipment. These technologies provide greater capabilities for the repair, maintenance and conversion of existing power sources.
Little steps for man … One big leap for man
These advances are only small steps towards lunar and Martian colonies. But every big jump has to move one step at a time. With more involvement from the private sector, trips to sites outside of the Earth will increase speed. This could lead to a thriving space tourism industry. Although currently limited, the coming years will see orbital destinations. Some companies are already taking place for short orbital flights.
The pace of change is accelerating even more as a result of Chinese and Indian entry into the space race. Fierce competition in this second space race will determine who will be the world’s technology leader. One thing is for sure, the space odyssey will continue. The question is: who will emerge this time?