The International Space Station has become the recipient of the first ever 3D printer in space, which was literally carried into space by a SpaceX Dragon commercial cargo craft. Reports out of the ISS state that the printer is already installed.
The 3D printer will allow astronauts aboard the ISS to be able to cheaply manufacture equipment and spare parts on demand.
All in all, shooting cargo into space is extremely costly so having a 3D printer capable of swiftly producing small parts without using up a large amount of fuel sending additional cargo into orbit is a huge help for astronauts aboard the International Space Station.
