This is the first object ever 3D printed in space

In a historical milestone, the first 3D printer in space has produced the first object ever printed in space: a faceplate for the printer’s own extruder printhead. The Made in Space 3D printer reached the ISS on Sept. 22, but had to wait its turn behind other science experiments until it was installed Nov. 17. Now that it’s nestled in — and functioning — it’s likely to change life on board, allowing astronauts to manufacture hardware instead of waiting for a rocket to bring it to them.