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SpaceX Launches Supplies to ISS, Including Its First 3D Printer

A "flawless" launch early Sunday from Cape Canaveral has sent a load of supplies on its way to the International Space Station aboard a Falcon 9-lofted SpaceX Dragon capsule. Food, care packages and provisions for NASA's astronauts make up more than a third of the cargo onboard Dragon. But the spacecraft also has experiments and equipment that will eventually help scientists complete 255 research projects in total, according to NASA. In Dragon's trunk, there's an instrument dubbed RapidScat, which will be installed outside the space station to measure the speed and direction of ocean winds on Earth. Among the commercially funded experiments onboard Dragon is a materials-science test from the sports company Cobra Puma Golf designed to build a stronger golf club. Dragon is also hauling the first space-grade 3D printer, built by Made in Space, which will test whether the on-the-spot manufacturing technology is viable without gravity.

4 of 129 comments (clear)

  1. Only 255 projects? by Whiternoise · · Score: 5, Funny

    Someone needs to update from 8-bit mission plans!

  2. Re:So we just gave all this money by TWX · · Score: 5, Funny

    In Boeing's defense, it's b-o-e-i-n-g, not 'boing'. A trampoline was never being considered.

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    Do not look into laser with remaining eye.
  3. Re:Some details about the 3D printer by BarbaraHudson · · Score: 2, Funny

    Anyone who saw the Big Bang Theory episode with the space toilet that was going to fail in 3 ... 2 ... 1 ... because of a badly designed part will definitely want one of these around before going into orbit - anything that will help keep the "manure from hitting the ventilator" will soon be must-have tech.

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    "Transparent" is a shit show that trades on every stereotype going. A man in drag is NOT a transsexual.
  4. Re:It's called redundancy by ColdWetDog · · Score: 3, Funny

    "Horses can make other horses. That's a trick that tractor's haven't figured out yet."
            -- Heinlein

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    Faster! Faster! Faster would be better!