This simple wrench was the first tool printed with the Additive Manufacturing Facility on board the ISS. Image: NASA/MadeInSpace/Lowe’s

Earlier this summer, astronauts on the ISS accomplished a task that was previously only done on scifi TV shows – they ordered a tool from a computer, and the computer created it on the spot. While not nearly as quick or fancy as Star Trek’s replicators, the Additive Manufacturing Facility (AMF), or more commonly called a 3D printer, created a tool that was sturdy and usable, even in the challenging environment of zero g. This technology will allow the astronauts to do maintenance on the ISS and to tackle unexpected issues much more easily.
You can read more about this amazing development in this article by Evan Gough over at Universe Today!