ND Professor patents 3D-printed spacesuits
Imagine being an astronaut on a long-haul flight to Mars, and suddenly, components on your spacesuit break down. With Mars being approximately 140 million miles from Earth, getting replacement parts or a new suit is simply not an option. However, Pablo de Leon, chair of the Department of Space Studies at the University of North Dakota (UND), has developed a groundbreaking system to manufacture spacesuits and other essential components during extended space voyages.
De Leon’s pioneering research, funded by NASA, has led to the patenting of a remarkable 3D printing technology for creating spacesuits and other objects needed for long space missions. By bringing the means of manufacturing onboard a spacecraft, this innovative approach eliminates the supply chain constraint of receiving spare parts while far from Earth.
Robert Kraus, dean of Aerospace at UND, praised de Leon’s years of dedicated research that culminated in this patent, stating:
“This patent recognizes the original and outstanding work that Dr. de Leon has put in over the years to develop 3D printing of spacesuits. As NASA and others prepare to send people to the moon again and eventually to Mars, longer duration trips will require innovative ways to repair or replace items.”
De Leon and his research team are thrilled to contribute to the future of human spaceflight by developing technology that can alleviate the burden of carrying an extensive supply of spare parts for long-term space travel.
The patented 3D printing technology employs various feedstocks, such as plastics or composite materials, which are layered and fused together to create the desired object. De Leon’s process can print an entire spacesuit, using rigid and flexible filaments tailored for different body areas. The joints are printed using flexible materials, while the torso and other rigid parts are constructed from composite materials.
One of the key advantages of de Leon’s patented 3D printing technology is its ability to manufacture tailored spacesuits for specific individuals, addressing the limitations of traditional one-size-fits-all suits. By combining the 3D printing process with body scanning techniques, astronauts can have custom-fitted suits created to accommodate their unique body shapes and sizes.
This tailored approach is particularly beneficial for astronauts who may not fit the standard suit sizes currently available or those who experience significant changes in their body dimensions during extended space missions. With the ability to precisely customize suits, astronauts can maintain optimal comfort, mobility, and safety throughout their space journey.
Moreover, the technology allows for the replacement of worn-out components, such as gloves or boots, which are prone to wear and tear during long-duration missions. Astronauts can simply scan the affected area and print a new, perfectly fitted component, ensuring the suit’s continued functionality and integrity.
De Leon’s innovative approach not only addresses the challenges of resupplying spare parts during deep space exploration but also opens up new possibilities for personalized protective gear. By tailoring spacesuits to individual astronauts’ needs, this technology enhances the overall safety, comfort, and efficiency of human spaceflight endeavors, paving the way for more ambitious and extended missions beyond Earth’s orbit.
