ISS cosmonauts to test 3D printer and porthole coating developed in Tomsk

http://cpm-ad.com/v.php?user=6201

TOMSK, January 6. / TASS /. Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU) has prepared a program of experiments on the International Space Station (ISS), having coordinated it with RSC Energia. During the experiments, which will begin in 2020, scientists will send to the ISS a 3D printer of their own design, which prints products from composite materials, as well as a device that strengthens the station's windows with nano-coating, Aleksey Yakovlev, director of the TPU School of Engineering for New Production Technologies, told TASS.

"We have agreed with RSC Energia on all the technical tasks, they have approved the program (of experiments). We received letters from RSC Energia to begin the procedure for concluding contracts. We were waiting for the approval of the program of experiments, funding will come from RSC Energia in 2020 year, this money will be enough for experiments on the ISS ", - said the agency's source, without specifying the amount of funding.

Yakovlev explained that the program approved three experiments that allow testing technologies. The first is related to a 3D printer developed by TPU for composite materials in space. It will allow you to create especially durable and lightweight tools right on board the station. In the future, it is planned to expand the program and test the possibilities of 3D printing in outer space. Also, the Peresvet experiment will be carried out, within the framework of which a multilayer nanocomposite coating will be applied to the ISS windows to protect glass from space debris and micrometeorites.

The third experiment is related to testing nanosatellites - miniature spacecraft that can be launched into orbit by an astronaut who has entered outer space, simply by letting go. In the future, such devices will work in a group, performing various tasks related to, for example, navigation and communication. In the future, satellites will even be able to repair each other in orbit.

"The project is being led by Skoltech, we are one of 15 participants. Our main task is to 3D print the hulls of the satellites in which we specialize. As part of this experiment, we will have to print ten satellites every year, the rest of the consortium members will be filling them." - he added.

По словам ученого, в 2020 году вуз приступит к экспериментам и до конца 2021 года изготовит макеты оборудования для печати, проведет испытания на Земле, внесет корректировку в конструкторскую документацию, подготовит задание для космонавтов на новом оборудовании, а также изготовит по два устройства для эксперимента - один для испытания в космосе, а другой - для контроля на Земле. В конце 2021 года техника отправится на космическую станцию.