When it comes to the future of human exploration, 3D printers hold the key to crew autonomy in areas ranging from maintenance to medicine. Delivered by ESA in 2024, the first metal 3D printer in space has just produced its fifth sample, retrieved by ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot during the εpsilon mission.

Since the beginning of 2026, six cargo missions have left the International Space Station after delivering supplies. At just 400 km above Earth, the Station remains within easy reach for regular resupply, but as astronauts venture farther away from our home planet, the ability to produce replacement parts, tools, or even biological materials will become essential for sustainable space activities.

The Metal 3D Printer is a technology demonstrator. The experience gained will help better understand the limitations of on-orbit metal printing and develop solutions suitable for both crew members and ground operators. It will also improve the quality of the printing process to achieve the best possible results.

“3D printers are far from being simple gadgets and I’m delighted to have worked on this European technology demonstration preparing the future of human spaceflight. Congratulations to everyone involved, and thank you to the CADMOS User Support Center teams who guided me throughout the process!” says ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot.

Three printed samples have already made their way back to Earth for analysis at ESTEC, ESA’s technical heart,in the Netherlands. The quality and resistance of the samples were compared against reference prints manufactured on the ground using the same printer.

Sophie was tasked with retrieving a fifth sample from the printer and preparing it for the next print activity, which will take place later this year.