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| Jamel Ali, Ph.D., (L) and Subramanian Ramakrishnan, Ph.D., with the nScrypt 3D printer at the College of Engineering . |
Researchers at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering have received a $5 million NASA grant that aims to revolutionize space exploration through advanced 3D printing and composite materials. The grant, administered by FAMU, will support the development of innovative manufacturing systems to enable astronauts to produce critical components—from sensors to radiation shields—directly during missions.
Innovative materials for space challenges
Under the leadership of Professor Subramanian Ramakrishnan (Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering), the interdisciplinary team—including collaborators from FSU, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, and FAMU—is developing novel inks using MXenes (2D materials), metallic nanoparticles, and semiconducting particles. These materials can be 3D printed into functional devices such as flexible electronics, antennas, and even radiation shielding.
“Imagine printing sensors or functional tissues mid-mission,” said Ramakrishnan. “This capability could transform space exploration, making missions more adaptable and sustainable.”
A key focus is leveraging extraterrestrial resources, such as lunar and Martian regolith, to create 3D-printed structures on-site. This approach would reduce reliance on Earth-supplied materials for long-term missions.
Cutting-edge techniques and partnerships
The team is refining electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing, a precision method that uses electric fields to deposit nanoparticles, combined with laser curing to accelerate manufacturing. Such advancements are critical for efficiency aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and future deep-space habitats.
Additionally, Ramakrishnan is spearheading a separate $700,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) project to expand 3D printing capabilities using an nScrypt 6-axis system. This technology enables printing on curved surfaces, with potential applications in aerospace and medical devices.
Medical breakthroughs in microgravity
Co-Director Jamel Ali’s team is exploring how 3D-printed tissues behave in microgravity, collaborating with the Mayo Clinic and NASA’s Kennedy Space Center to advance regenerative medicine. Ali’s group is also developing semiconducting nanomaterials tailored for NASA’s needs, addressing challenges in printing on non-flat surfaces.
Broader implications and global context
The research extends beyond space: innovations in sensors, biomaterials, and manufacturing could benefit biomedical engineering and materials science on Earth.
This project aligns with global efforts to advance in-space manufacturing. Earlier this year, the European Space Agency (ESA) tested its first metal 3D-printed part created aboard the ISS, while startups like Orbital Composites are developing space-based antenna manufacturing under U.S. Space Force contracts.