Researchers with the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have successfully developed the country's first space 3D printer.

根据日前消息，中科院科研人员成功研制出了我国首台空间3D打印机。

Scientists with both CAS's Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology and the Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization¹ were behind the two-year-long project.

中科院重庆绿色智能技术研究院和空间应用工程与技术中心的科学家们，经过努力终于携手完成了这一耗时两年的项目。

Duan Xuanming, head of 3D printing research center under CAS's Chongqing Institute, said the printer has finished 93 zero gravity flying tests in France. The printer can produce bigger space parts than the one sent to the International Space Station by NASA late last month.

据中科院重庆研究院3D打印技术研究中心主任段宣明介绍，该打印机已经在法国完成了93次失重测试。据悉，该打印机可打印的太空零部件尺寸超过NASA上月底运至国际空间站的3D打印机。

The device could help China build a space station in 2020 and facilitate its operation and maintenance thereafter, said Duan.

段宣明表示，该设备将为我国2020年完成空间站建造及后期运营维护提供帮助。

In-orbit 3D printing is effective in helping² with space station repair and maintenance and is essential for future deep space exploration.

在轨3D打印制造是解决空间站维修的有效方法，对未来进行的深空探索极为重要。

It can cut the operation cost of space stations and reduce their dependence³ on ground supplies, he added.

此外，段宣明还补充说道，该技术能减少空间站运营成本，同时降低其对地面补给的依赖性。