NASA is constantly looking for new and innovative technologies to help us explore our universe. 3D printing technology has played a major role in their research as of late, and they are looking into additive manufacturing methods to create 3D printed spacesuits and someday, maybe even 3D printed Martian settlements. Now, In Space Manufacturing (ISM), the sector in charge of developing on-demand and sustainable manufacturing capabilities for NASA Exploration Missions, is asking the designers and makers of Earth to help take part in the space race.
Their approach of “make it, don’t take it” has led ISM to work on developing a 3D printing FabLab which will 3D print parts in space using multiple materials, embedded electronics, in-space recycled parts, and more. In 2015, ISM made history by sending up the first-ever 3D printer from Made In Space to the International Space Station, a major step for humanity, and an even bigger step for 3D printing technology. As our readers may know, they’ve also just sent the first commercial 3D printer into space, as well. Their new contest, the NASA In-Space Manufacturing Logo Challenge, is looking to utilize 3D printing to create a new logo or patch for the ISM project. The design should represent the key themes surrounding space exploration and on-demand manufacturing methods.
The winning logo will not just win a $300 prize, but will also have their logo or patch placed on the top corner of all presentation materials involving the ISM project, and could even be used on the title page of these materials in a larger format as well. In addition, the selected logo will also be used on ISM merchandise, such as shirts and mugs, and in materials geared for education and public outreach as well.
There are a few requirements and rules to the challenge. For instance, competitors must submit both a color and black and white version of their submission, must limit their design to six colors, and must also include both the vector source file, as well as a 1024X1024 version in jpeg and png. The submissions will be judged off of three merits:
• Requirements: Does your logo meet the requirements as stated within the challenge?
• Quality: Does your logo look fresh, professional, and clean?
• Concept: Does your logo capture the ISM Project?
So if you’re a design-savvy space lover, show NASA and ISM what you’ve got in the new NASA In-Space Manufacturing Logo Challenge.
