MT Magazine September/October 2024

FEATURE STORY

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Building Life in Space When you are planning to live and work in space, it is important to have the right materials and tools at hand. Additive manufacturing is essential to the modern aerospace industry, and it will be an indispensable technology once astronauts start manufacturing in space. Dr. Sharon Cobb, associate program manager at NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS), explained that additive manufacturing has already helped simplify the building of engine components and other key pieces of the SLS. “I know in the case of one particular complex part, we were able to go from 124 welds to four because we shifted to 3D printed parts,” she said. “The reduction in cost that we get from implementing efficiencies like that are the wave of the future, so we continue to infuse technology into our designs and look for new ways to leverage technology.” Additive manufacturing will also allow astronauts to print parts, fix equipment, and even construct habitats in situ – while living in space. Instead of having to take huge parts or heavy equipment with them during space travel, astronauts can simply take a 3D printer and feed stock or use feed stock created from naturally occurring materials. This has the potential to save time and resources and extend the options for long-term lunar habitation. To learn more about all the exciting developments in additive manufacturing, plan to attend the new Formnext Chicago expo on April 8-10, 2025, in Chicago. AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology is partnering with industry and trade show leaders to showcase the entire additive manufacturing value chain, including materials, design and control software, production, post-production equipment, service providers, and metrology. For more information, visit formnextchicago.com.

Forging a Path Forward During her research, Cobb had the chance to work with Dr. Bonnie Dunbar, a mission specialist who flew five missions. Cobb remembers her as kind and engaging. “I was so impressed by what she was achieving and the doors she was opening for other female astronauts. It was so encouraging to witness firsthand,” she recalled. Having transitioned into the role of mentor at this stage in her career, Cobb advises young women to keep an open mind as they explore STEM fields. She emphasizes the importance of recruiting women to all types of positions in STEM – not just as engineers. She also notes that as more women move into the field and young girls can see examples that look like them, they will be more likely to choose a STEM path. “I think women need to keep their career options open,” Cobb advised. “Try different aspects of STEM careers. Take different entry-level courses to explore what you are interested in. That is how you find something that is a good fit for you.”

Blazing a Trail Once a fire is started, it is hard to put out – especially if inspiring peers and incredible accomplishments feed into it. When Cobb saw sparks at the foundry where her father worked, she didn’t know she’d end up working on the next generation of space exploration, but she did know that something shifted – that she had found her place. As she continues to work with her team to get humans on the moon and Mars, she knows better than anyone that those are milestones – not finish lines. “The sky isn’t the limit. Beyond the sky, there is space. There is just no limit – no limit at all to what you can do,” she said. While nearly four decades have passed since science first sparked her interest and ignited her dreams, Cobb’s steadfast dedication to her field still crackles with energy. It is only matched by her enthusiasm, which will hopefully spread to younger generations of manufacturers and scientists – and with them into the bright expanse of space. Dr. Cobb was the keynote speaker at the IMTS ELEVATE Women Make Manufacturing Move conference at IMTS 2024. She also appeared on the IMTS+ Main Stage. Watch her appearances on IMTS+ at IMTS.com. Sharon Cobb speaks at the IMTS ELEVATE Women Make Manufacturing Move breakfast. Her keynote address focused on how women are integral to the mission to put people back on the moon.