One of the great technologies in which NASA more money is investing, in addition to the development of new engines and ships, it is in 3D printing, we have proof of what I say in how they congratulate themselves on, after a fairly high investment, having achieved with the help Made in space manufacture parts by 3D printing in an environment with characteristics similar to those found in outer space.
It must be recognized that this is a great step in terms of the technology that the human being would need when reaching another planet and making a settlement since, with the Print 3D, we could get to manufacture large structures without having to develop coastal missions in which we would have to develop and manufacture them on Earth and send them to a certain point in space using a rocket.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phaonMhOC8Q
Made In Space shows us their technology with which they have been able to manufacture structures in an environment with characteristics similar to outer space
To achieve this very special milestone, Made in Space engineers and designers have worked on the development and manufacture of a robotic arm that has the ability to manufacture large-volume structures completely autonomously, a feature that will undoubtedly greatly facilitate the development of, for example, a space station or an exploration vehicle.
Based on the statements made by Eric Joyce, current manager of the project that is being carried out at Made in Space:
Instead of launching a rocket with a crowded vehicle on board, how about we launch the raw material and do all the fabrication and assembly in space? All restrictions are removed and rockets become more efficient in delivering cargo to space.