Additive Manufacturing could be the key factor in conducting affordable and sustainable missions, reducing costs and improving the crew's safety by manufacturing much-needed broken parts without necessitating a resupply mission. How far are we from conducting deep-space exploration missions?

Defence IQ had the opportunity to discuss with Raymond 'Corky' Clinton, Associate Director of the Science & Technology Office in the Marshall Space Flight Centre, NASA and speaker at the 4th annual Additive Manufacturing for Aerospace and Space conference, on the current application of additive manufacturing at NASA and what future plans NASA has to make deep-space exploration a safe and cost-effective reality.