Next Gen Fabber May Go to Space Station

It is expected that Lunar and Martian explorers will build tools and parts as needed while traveling or using local resources. NASA scientists are interested in testing electron beam freeform fabrication EBF3 on the International Space Station. Such a device could build certified aerospace parts cheaper and using less material than conventional manufacturing methods.

in reference to: http://www.space.com/businesstechnology/091104-tw-3d-replicator.html (view on Google Sidewiki)

NASA may use Soviet technology for new shuttles

Russia's canceled Buran space shuttle could be a stepping stone to NASA's new space transportation system.

The Soviet-era Buran space programme, mothballed 20 years ago, may be revived. With NASA about to retire its ageing fleet of space shuttles, there is a pressing need for viable space transport.

Two decades ago the Soviet space shuttle Buran blasted off on its first and only orbital flight. Just a few years later, with the collapse of the Soviet Union, the programme was shelved.

The Buran was the Soviet Union's answer to NASA’s space shuttle programme. On November 15, 1988, the shuttle was propelled out of the Earth’s atmosphere by the specially designed Energia booster rocket from the Baikonur launch pad in Kazakhstan. (cont'd)

LUF Revival

If you haven't checked in on LUF-Team for a while, you might like to know that a revival of activity is underway.

For the past few months activity has focused on :

• Re-establishing the LUF as a corporate entity,
• Completing and adding media to TMP2,
• Developing a new website to organize knowledge and members, and
• Determining the steps needed to establish the Foundation Phase of TMP.

This could be considered a reboot. We are basically starting from scratch with the new TMP2, some old timers as well as some new blood and trying to make a different kind of organization. Come check it out!