Photo: ESA

The webinar is organized in cooperation with Space Exploration Denmark.

Denmark has a goal of achieving climate neutrality in 2050, so green transition is high on the agenda. To realize the green transition there is a need for new science and technologi. Space already plays an important role in identifying climate change and in contributing to the green transition and in the protection of our nature, environment and biodiversity. 

In this webinar, experts will discuss which role space exploration has in solving some of the greatest challenges towards 2050.

3D printing is a technology under rapid development with several green potentials. It can reduce the need for transportation of products, leading to a decrease in both time and fuel – and thereby CO2. Furthermore, 3D printed products can be made with less waste, they can be specifically designed, and the they can be more cost efficient to produce in smaller quantities. Finally, the products can be printed from lighter and in some cases bio degradable materials. 

For the same reasons 3D printing is relevant for space exploration. Here every kilo counts. On missions farther into space, it will be essential to reduce payloads to an absolute minimum.  

The on-earth 3D printing of rocket parts from lighter materials is already under development. Other opportunities open up when sending a 3D printer into space and using materials available on the Moon or Mars as resources. This will seriously decrease weight and reduce the resources needed for future space exploration missions. 

The next mission of Andreas Mogensen will present a unique opportunity to test technologies that can also be relevant for the green transition. The date for Andreas Mogensen’s next mission has not yet been determined but is expected within a few years. This webinar is therefore also intended to inspire Danish scientists and companies to come up with green experiment ideas for the mission. 

Programme

• Welcome. Cecilie Tornøe, UFM 
• Metal 3D Printer Technology Demonstrator - Evaluating 3D printing of metal in space. Rob Postema, ESA
• Nano inting in Space for NASA, Maksym Plakhotnyk Atlant3D
• New and improved 3D metal printed components for space. Anders Bæk Hjermitslev, Civil Engineer. Danish Teknological institute
• Wrap up. Cecilie Tornøe, UFM