UND faculty member patent may help take astronauts to Mars and beyond
Imagine being an astronaut on NASA’s envisioned long-haul flight to Mars, and the unthinkable happens: components on your spacesuit break.
Given that Mars is roughly 140 million miles from Earth, getting replacement parts or a new suit is not an option. But Pablo de León, chair of UND’s Department of Space Studies, has come up with a system to manufacture spacesuits and other parts while on that long journey.
Recently, de León received a patent for his NASA-funded research into 3D printing spacesuits or other objects that are needed in long space voyages. Doing so onboard a spacecraft avoids the supply chain problem of receiving spare parts while far from Earth by bringing the means of manufacture along.
Robert Kraus, dean of Aerospace, congratulated de Léon for his years-long research that culminated in the patent.
“This patent recognizes the original and outstanding work that Dr. de León has put in over the years to develop 3D printing of spacesuits,” said Kraus. “As NASA and others prepare to send people to the moon again and eventually to Mars, longer duration trips will require innovative ways to repair or replace items.”
De León said he and members of his research team welcome the opportunity to develop technology that can help ease the burden of engaging in long-term space travel with a significant number of spare parts.
“My team and I are very pleased to hear we have secured a patent for our work in developing 3D printed spacesuits,” he said. “Our research is ongoing, and we look forward to delivering our results to NASA. One day, astronauts may be wearing spacesuits using technology designed at UND. There are many possibilities for space travel with our technology, and we are very happy to contribute to the future of human spaceflight.”
