'They Just Rewrote the Future!': FAMU's Mind-Blowing 3D Printing Revolution Sends Shockwaves Through NASA and Could Launch Humanity Into Deep Space
is pioneering advanced technology to transform space exploration by enabling on-demand manufacturing during missions. 🛠️ The research focuses on developing next-generation materials like MXenes and specialized inks for use in extraterrestrial environments.
like MXenes and specialized inks for use in extraterrestrial environments. 🌕 Utilizing lunar and Martian soil, known as regolith, FAMU aims to create sustainable construction materials for long-term habitation on other planets.
🔬 The interdisciplinary team is also exploring the potential of 3D printing biological materials in space, with significant implications for regenerative medicine.
Florida A&M University (FAMU) is breaking new ground in the field of space exploration with its innovative 3D printing technology. This revolutionary research, spearheaded by the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, is setting the stage for a future where astronauts can manufacture essential components during their missions. By developing advanced materials and techniques, FAMU is poised to transform how space missions are conducted, making them more sustainable and adaptable. This groundbreaking work has attracted significant attention and funding, including a $5 million grant from NASA, underscoring its potential impact on the future of space travel. Advanced Materials for Space Manufacturing
The cornerstone of FAMU's revolutionary approach lies in the development of next-generation materials specifically designed for space manufacturing. Led by Professor Subramanian Ramakrishnan, the team is pioneering the use of specialized 2D materials known as MXenes, along with metallic and semiconducting nanoparticles. These materials are engineered to create advanced inks that can be used for 3D printing in extraterrestrial environments.
These advanced inks are capable of printing a wide range of components, from sensors that detect gases and strain to antennas and radiation shielding. This technology represents a critical step forward in in-space manufacturing (ISM), allowing astronauts to produce necessary materials on-demand, rather than relying on supplies transported from Earth. Such capability is crucial for long-duration space missions, where adaptability and sustainability are key.
'Space Needs Nuclear Now': This New Global Race to Harness Atomic Power Beyond Earth Is Accelerating Faster Than Expected Utilizing Extraterrestrial Resources
One of the most promising aspects of FAMU's research is the potential to harness extraterrestrial resources for space manufacturing. The team is exploring the use of lunar and Martian soil—regolith—as a raw material for 3D printing. By transforming local resources into construction materials, FAMU aims to enable sustainable habitation on the Moon and Mars. This innovative approach not only reduces the need for Earth-based supplies but also paves the way for long-term human presence on other planets.
The interdisciplinary team behind this research includes experts from various fields, including Satyanarayan Dev from FAMU's Department of Biological Systems Engineering and Margaret Samuels from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. Together, they are working to ensure that these advanced manufacturing techniques are viable for future space missions, potentially revolutionizing how we approach space exploration.
'NASA Sounds the Alarm': Massive Planetary Anomaly Detected Spreading Worldwide, Traced to Unknown Forces Beneath Earth's Crust Precision Printing Technologies
FAMU's research also focuses on developing precision printing technologies that can be used in space. The team has introduced an innovative technique known as Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing, which uses electric fields to precisely deposit nanoparticles. This method is particularly useful for creating flexible electronic sensors that are essential for various space applications.
Additionally, the university has acquired a state-of-the-art nScrypt 6-axis 3D printing system, thanks to a $700,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. This advanced equipment allows researchers to create intricate designs on curved surfaces, a capability that is especially valuable for aerospace and medical device applications. With these technologies, FAMU is at the forefront of developing next-generation sensors and components for NASA.
Not China, Not Egypt: This Colossal European Megastructure Is the Largest Man-Made Wonder Visible From Space Biomedical Frontiers in Microgravity
In addition to materials engineering, FAMU is exploring the potential of 3D printing biological materials in space. Co-Director and Assistant Professor Jamel Ali is leading research on how human cells self-assemble in microgravity environments. This work has significant implications for regenerative medicine and therapeutic cell expansion, both in space and on Earth.
The team, in collaboration with researchers from the FSU Medical School and the Mayo Clinic, is studying the behavior of 3D-printed tissues in space. This research addresses the unique challenges of printing biological materials on curved surfaces, with potential applications that extend far beyond space exploration. By pushing the boundaries of biomedical research, FAMU is contributing to medical innovations that could benefit patients worldwide.
FAMU's pioneering efforts in 3D printing technology are poised to transform multiple scientific fields, from space exploration to biomedicine. By developing advanced materials and precision printing techniques, the university is setting the stage for a future where space missions are more sustainable and adaptable. As FAMU continues to lead the way in space materials science, one must wonder: how will these innovations shape the future of space exploration and beyond?
This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies.
Did you like it? 4.5/5 (23)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Euronews
14-07-2025
- Euronews
The biggest piece of Mars on Earth is being auctioned off in New York
A 25-kilogram rock is being auctioned off at Sotheby's New York on Wednesday. It's being listed for a price of $2 million (€1.71 million) to $4 million (€3.42 million). Why so expensive? Well, it's not just any rock. It's the largest piece of Mars ever found on Earth. The Martian rock, known as NWA 16788, will be sold as part of a natural history-themed sale that also includes a juvenile Ceratosaurus dinosaur skeleton that's more than 2 metres tall and nearly 3 metres long. According to the auction house, the meteorite is believed to have been blown off the surface of Mars by a massive asteroid strike before traveling 225 million kilometres to Earth, where it crashed into Africa's Sahara Desert. A meteorite hunter found it in the remote Agadez Region of Niger in November 2023, Sotheby's says. The reddish-brown hunk is about 70% larger than the next largest piece of Mars found on Earth and represents nearly 7% of all the Martian material currently on this planet, Sotheby's says, measuring in at nearly 375 millimetres in length, 279 millimetres in width and 152 millimetres in height. 'This Martian meteorite is the largest piece of Mars we have ever found by a long shot," said Cassandra Hatton, vice chairman for science and natural history at Sotheby's. 'So it's more than double the size of what we previously thought was the largest piece of Mars.' The rock is a super a rare find. There are only 400 Martian meteorites out of the more than 77,000 officially recognised meteorites found on Earth, Sotheby's says. Hatton asserted that a small piece of it was removed to study it and confirm that it is indeed Martian. The study found that it is an 'olivine-micro gabbroic shergottite,' formed from the slow cooling of Martian magma. It has a course-grained texture composed primarily of pyroxene, Maskelynite, and olivine, Sotheby's says. It also has a glassy surface, likely due to the high heat that burned it when it fell through Earth's atmosphere, Hatton said. 'So that was their first clue that this wasn't just some big rock on the ground,' she said. It's not clear exactly when the meteoroid hit Earth, but testing shows it probably happened in recent years, Sotheby's said. Also on auction is the juvenile Ceratosaurus skeleton, which was found in 1996 near Laramie, Wyoming in the United States at Bone Cabin Quarry – a gold mine for dinosaur bones. Specialists assembled nearly 140 fossil bones with some sculpted materials to recreate the skeleton and mounted it so it's ready to exhibit. The skeleton is believed to be from the late Jurassic period, about 150 million years ago, Sotheby's says. It's auction estimate is anywhere between $4 million (€3.42 million) to $6 million (€5.13 million). It's unclear if the items will actually sell at these prices, as such items have never been sold at auction before. Sotheby's says whoever ends up purchasing the incredibly rare items is guaranteed to snag a one of a kind piece of history.
Sustainability Times
09-07-2025
- Sustainability Times
'They Just Rewrote the Future!': FAMU's Mind-Blowing 3D Printing Revolution Sends Shockwaves Through NASA and Could Launch Humanity Into Deep Space
IN A NUTSHELL 🚀 FAMU is pioneering advanced 3D printing technology to transform space exploration by enabling on-demand manufacturing during missions. is pioneering advanced technology to transform space exploration by enabling on-demand manufacturing during missions. 🛠️ The research focuses on developing next-generation materials like MXenes and specialized inks for use in extraterrestrial environments. like MXenes and specialized inks for use in extraterrestrial environments. 🌕 Utilizing lunar and Martian soil, known as regolith, FAMU aims to create sustainable construction materials for long-term habitation on other planets. 🔬 The interdisciplinary team is also exploring the potential of 3D printing biological materials in space, with significant implications for regenerative medicine. Florida A&M University (FAMU) is breaking new ground in the field of space exploration with its innovative 3D printing technology. This revolutionary research, spearheaded by the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, is setting the stage for a future where astronauts can manufacture essential components during their missions. By developing advanced materials and techniques, FAMU is poised to transform how space missions are conducted, making them more sustainable and adaptable. This groundbreaking work has attracted significant attention and funding, including a $5 million grant from NASA, underscoring its potential impact on the future of space travel. Advanced Materials for Space Manufacturing The cornerstone of FAMU's revolutionary approach lies in the development of next-generation materials specifically designed for space manufacturing. Led by Professor Subramanian Ramakrishnan, the team is pioneering the use of specialized 2D materials known as MXenes, along with metallic and semiconducting nanoparticles. These materials are engineered to create advanced inks that can be used for 3D printing in extraterrestrial environments. These advanced inks are capable of printing a wide range of components, from sensors that detect gases and strain to antennas and radiation shielding. This technology represents a critical step forward in in-space manufacturing (ISM), allowing astronauts to produce necessary materials on-demand, rather than relying on supplies transported from Earth. Such capability is crucial for long-duration space missions, where adaptability and sustainability are key. 'Space Needs Nuclear Now': This New Global Race to Harness Atomic Power Beyond Earth Is Accelerating Faster Than Expected Utilizing Extraterrestrial Resources One of the most promising aspects of FAMU's research is the potential to harness extraterrestrial resources for space manufacturing. The team is exploring the use of lunar and Martian soil—regolith—as a raw material for 3D printing. By transforming local resources into construction materials, FAMU aims to enable sustainable habitation on the Moon and Mars. This innovative approach not only reduces the need for Earth-based supplies but also paves the way for long-term human presence on other planets. The interdisciplinary team behind this research includes experts from various fields, including Satyanarayan Dev from FAMU's Department of Biological Systems Engineering and Margaret Samuels from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. Together, they are working to ensure that these advanced manufacturing techniques are viable for future space missions, potentially revolutionizing how we approach space exploration. 'NASA Sounds the Alarm': Massive Planetary Anomaly Detected Spreading Worldwide, Traced to Unknown Forces Beneath Earth's Crust Precision Printing Technologies FAMU's research also focuses on developing precision printing technologies that can be used in space. The team has introduced an innovative technique known as Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing, which uses electric fields to precisely deposit nanoparticles. This method is particularly useful for creating flexible electronic sensors that are essential for various space applications. Additionally, the university has acquired a state-of-the-art nScrypt 6-axis 3D printing system, thanks to a $700,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. This advanced equipment allows researchers to create intricate designs on curved surfaces, a capability that is especially valuable for aerospace and medical device applications. With these technologies, FAMU is at the forefront of developing next-generation sensors and components for NASA. Not China, Not Egypt: This Colossal European Megastructure Is the Largest Man-Made Wonder Visible From Space Biomedical Frontiers in Microgravity In addition to materials engineering, FAMU is exploring the potential of 3D printing biological materials in space. Co-Director and Assistant Professor Jamel Ali is leading research on how human cells self-assemble in microgravity environments. This work has significant implications for regenerative medicine and therapeutic cell expansion, both in space and on Earth. The team, in collaboration with researchers from the FSU Medical School and the Mayo Clinic, is studying the behavior of 3D-printed tissues in space. This research addresses the unique challenges of printing biological materials on curved surfaces, with potential applications that extend far beyond space exploration. By pushing the boundaries of biomedical research, FAMU is contributing to medical innovations that could benefit patients worldwide. FAMU's pioneering efforts in 3D printing technology are poised to transform multiple scientific fields, from space exploration to biomedicine. By developing advanced materials and precision printing techniques, the university is setting the stage for a future where space missions are more sustainable and adaptable. As FAMU continues to lead the way in space materials science, one must wonder: how will these innovations shape the future of space exploration and beyond? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (23)
Sustainability Times
06-05-2025
- Sustainability Times
Superhero Material in Space: Self-Healing Polymer Can Now Shield Satellites From Debris With Regenerative Powers Never Seen Before
IN A NUTSHELL 🚀 Scientists at Texas A&M University have developed a self-healing polymer to protect satellites from space debris. to protect satellites from space debris. 🛡️ The Diels-Alder Polymer (DAP) features dynamic covalent bonds that allow it to absorb impacts and reform quickly. features dynamic covalent bonds that allow it to absorb impacts and reform quickly. 🔬 Tested in a laboratory at the nanoscale, DAP shows promise for space and military applications on Earth. on Earth. 🌌 Researchers aim to scale this technology for real-world use, addressing one of space exploration's key challenges. Space debris poses a significant threat to our satellites and other space infrastructure. Objects in low Earth orbit (LEO) travel at speeds exceeding 18,000 miles per hour, making even the smallest fragments capable of causing catastrophic damage. As the number of satellites and debris increases, scientists are in a race against time to find solutions. Texas A&M University's groundbreaking discovery of a self-healing polymer could be the answer. This innovative material has the potential to shield satellites from the relentless barrage of space debris, revolutionizing how we protect our space assets. A Breakthrough in Polymer Science The Texas A&M University team has developed a new material known as the Diels-Alder Polymer (DAP), named for its dynamic covalent bond networks. These bonds can break and reform, giving the material its self-healing properties. What sets DAP apart is its unique chemistry and topology, which allow it to stretch and absorb impacts without sustaining significant damage. Unlike other materials that may crack or shatter upon impact, DAP reforms its structure quickly, though sometimes in a different configuration. This behavior was observed when tested in a laboratory setting at the nanoscale. The findings, published in the journal Materials Today, highlight the polymer's potential for space applications. According to Dr. Svetlana Sukhishvili, a professor at Texas A&M, this is the first instance of a material displaying such a response at any scale. This innovation could not only protect satellites but also enhance the durability of space vehicle windows against micrometeoroids. US Firm Shocks World: Unveils Revolutionary Nuclear Reactor Prototype to Supercharge AI, Igniting Global Energy Revolution Implications for Space and Defense Industries The potential applications of DAP extend beyond space. The material's properties make it a candidate for military applications on Earth, such as body armor. Dr. Edwin Thomas, another professor involved in the research, explains that the polymer's versatility stems from its ability to change its physical state with temperature variations. At lower temperatures, DAP is stiff and strong, but as the temperature rises, it becomes elastic and eventually flows like a liquid. This adaptability was demonstrated using a cutting-edge testing method known as LIPIT (laser-induced projectile impact testing). During these tests, a minuscule silica projectile was launched at the polymer, and the impacts were recorded using an ultrahigh-speed camera. The results showed that DAP absorbs a significant portion of the projectile's kinetic energy, liquefies upon impact, and then returns to its original form. Such resilience could transform how we approach protective materials in various industries. Nighthawk Mars Chopper From NASA Unveiled: Largest Ever Flying Robot Set to Hunt Alien Life With Game-Changing Mission Strategy The Science Behind Self-Healing The self-healing capabilities of DAP were initially surprising to researchers. Upon testing, they found no visible perforations, leading them to believe the projectile had missed. However, they soon realized the polymer had absorbed and distributed the impact energy, demonstrating its self-healing properties. When the polymer is struck, it melts and allows the projectile to pass, then quickly cools and reforms its covalent bonds, effectively mending itself. This remarkable ability to recover from impacts could revolutionize materials science, especially for applications where durability and longevity are crucial. The researchers noted that while the results are promising, these properties have only been tested at the nanoscale. The behavior of DAP at larger scales remains to be seen, necessitating further research to fully understand its potential and limitations. 'Dirt Ants Once Ruled the Caribbean': 16-Million-Year-Old Amber Discovery Uncovers Shocking Insect Empire Lost to Time Future Prospects and Challenges The discovery of the Diels-Alder Polymer opens new doors for innovation in both the space and defense sectors. However, scaling this technology from the laboratory to real-world applications poses significant challenges. Researchers must determine how DAP will perform under different environmental conditions and whether it can be produced economically at a larger scale. Despite these hurdles, the potential benefits of a self-healing material in space missions are undeniable. As we continue to send more satellites into orbit and explore deeper into space, the ability to self-repair could become a vital asset. Will the Diels-Alder Polymer usher in a new era of resilient space technology, or will other emerging materials take the lead in the race to protect our cosmic ventures? Did you like it? 4.5/5 (20)
