One of the promises of 3D printing is its ability to deliver a wide array of objects to difficult-to-reach locations where supplies are scarce. Companies like Made in Space are taking that principle to space — arguably the most difficult and expensive location to deliver supplies of any kind.

Tethers Unlimited is moving beyond printing basic supplies and into printing full-scale spacecraft components. Right now, structures like satellites are carried into space within another spacecraft and then launched into orbit. That puts constraints on how those vehicles are manufactured, as they have to pack well.