Boeing funds Space Foundation’s new Additive Manufacturing Space Lab
February 19, 2024
Space Foundation, headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA, has announced that Boeing has awarded the Space Foundation Discovery Center a grant to fund a new Additive Manufacturing Space Lab. Devoted to 3D design, manufacturing, and other AM and fabrication methods, the Boeing Additive Manufacturing Space Lab will be a new immersive education lab serving students, teachers and industry.
The Boeing Additive Manufacturing Space Lab aims to transform student learning, enhance visitor experiences, and foster global engagement through interactive digital activities and cutting-edge physical technology. Within the Lab, displays on the Additive Manufacturing industry will educate and inspire museum visitors, showcasing groundbreaking technology that has significantly impacted manufacturing and the space industry.
Space Foundation CEO Heather Pringle commented, “Boeing’s commitment to education aligns seamlessly with our mission, and we are immensely grateful for their continued support in propelling our Space Foundation Discovery Center to the forefront of innovative educational offerings. This generous grant will fuel the creation of a new state-of-the-art Additive Manufacturing Space Lab, empowering educators, inspiring students, and connecting with partners worldwide. We are excited to continue this transformative partnership with Boeing, working hand in hand to inspire the next generation of space innovators.”
“The Space Domain is no longer the future of human discovery and national defence — it is the here and now, and students need the right skills to meet today’s moment,” stated Kay Sears, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space, Intelligence and Weapons Systems. “We are proud to support the Space Foundation’s new Additive Manufacturing lab at the Discovery Center in Colorado, which will serve as an important resource for students to learn through hands-on training and experience.”
Boeing has extensively utilised Additive Manufacturing in satellites, often surpassing traditionally produced parts. With plans to advance AM in commercial, civil and government sectors, Boeing aims to be at the forefront of this technology for future crewed space missions. Recognising a shortage of skilled professionals in related fields, Boeing intends to partner with the Space Foundation to address this gap. Together, they will develop lab programming that targets students from the first grade onwards, with the goal of creating a diverse and inclusive learning environment that nurtures skills essential for AM careers.
The lab will integrate with other Discovery Center experiences, enhancing the overall learning environment. This synergy with existing labs, such as the Drone Lab and Lockheed Martin Mars Robotics Lab, amplifies the educational journey by leveraging AM technology. The lab fosters cross-disciplinary connections, promoting a comprehensive understanding of cutting-edge technologies. As the design and development phase continues, Space Foundation welcomes Boeing’s insights to optimise the lab’s components.
