Auburn University and NASA Demonstrate Inkless Electronics Printing in Microgravity

• Researchers from Auburn University and NASA Marshall Space Flight Center have demonstrated that conductive metal structures can be printed in microgravity without liquid inks, using a compact, self-contained system that generates, deposits, and sinters metal nanoparticles on demand. The work, published in npj Advanced Manufacturing, presents results from a two-day parabolic flight campaign and represents…

Researchers from Auburn University and NASA Marshall Space Flight Center have demonstrated that conductive metal structures can be printed in microgravity without liquid inks, using a compact, self-contained system that generates, deposits, and sinters metal nanoparticles on demand. The work, published in npj Advanced Manufacturing, presents results from a two-day parabolic flight campaign and represents a step toward on-demand electronics fabrication during long-duration space missions. A Dry, Inkless Approach The technology at the center of the study is a dry additive nanomanufacturing (Dry ANM) platform developed at Auburn University. Rather than relying on pre-made inks or powders, the system uses laser ablation to vaporize solid silver or copper targets, condenses the resulting vapo