NASA Emails a Socket Wrench

[French G.]

Recycled Space peoples: It's good for the environment, and OK for you.

Yesterday's friend, it's what's for dinner.

[MechAg94]

would plastic tools and screws work to tie down most items on a space craft?  I am sure the metal stuff would be needed for the heavy weight materials and the critical stuff, but I would think most of the experiments and smaller hardware could be handled with disposable/recyclable plastic tie downs.

[brimic]

How big is the equipment? I was thinking of something that could easily be packaged in a fridge-or-smaller form factor that could be transportable under current weight/size restrictions.

Brad

I wonder if a smaller 3-D printer could be used to make the parts for larger 3-d printers, then assemble them on-site?

[KD5NRH]

I wonder if a smaller 3-D printer could be used to make the parts for larger 3-d printers, then assemble them on-site?

But then what's to stop them from making ever-bigger 3D printers until they deplete all the resources and start taking over planets to get more raw materials?

[MechAg94]

But then what's to stop them from making ever-bigger 3D printers until they deplete all the resources and start taking over planets to get more raw materials?

Yeah, and we can mount little 3D printers on little 3D printed spiders and also give them the ability to gather material and even replicate.   

[Ben]

Yeah, and we can mount little 3D printers on little 3D printed spiders and also give them the ability to gather material and even replicate.