NASA's next-generation technologies being evaluated in microgravity

Teams of NASA scientists are using their next-generation technology to test microgravity in a series of parabolic flights aimed at fostering innovation that supports the agency's space exploration goals, writes NASA's Marina Guerges. Continue reading the original article. Military and aerospace electronics products use:

June 27, 2024 - Scientists recently completed a parabolic flight to study weightlessness and test space technology. The flights, which provide low-gravity intervals lasting approximately 22 seconds, are conducted from February to April on Zero Gravity's G-FORCE ONE aircraft. The purpose of the flight tests was to determine the amount of power reduction achieved with ultrasonic tools on the Moon and Mars. Understanding regolith interactions, including exhumation, is critical to NASA's efforts to support long-term missions to the Moon and Mars. Scientists tested 3D printing technologies under the On-Demand Manufacturing of Electronics (ODME) project to simplify the use of electronics and tools aboard the International Space Station.

During their first microgravity environment testing, the ODME Advanced Toolplate team evaluated a new set of smaller 3D printed tools designed to offer more options and reduce tool changes. The tool board includes eight interchangeable tool heads, enabling the integration of new technologies after launch to the space station. The 3D printer components support in-space production of electronics and sensors for structure and crew monitoring systems as well as multi-material 3D printing of metals.