NASA Advances Space Exploration with 3D Printing, Artemis, and ESCAPADE

NASA is pushing the boundaries of space exploration with several recent developments, including the successful deployment of a 3D-printed part on a commercial spacecraft, progress on the Artemis campaign, and the launch of the ESCAPADE mission to study space weather.

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory's (JPL) Additive Compliant Canister (JACC) is a 3D-printed spring that was designed to cut costs and complexity for futuristic space antennas. The spring was deployed on the Proteus Space's Mercury One spacecraft on February 3, 2026, and its success demonstrates the potential of additive manufacturing in space exploration.

Meanwhile, NASA is preparing for the next steps in the Artemis campaign, which aims to return humans to the lunar surface by 2024. The agency has invited media to discuss the upcoming test flight, Artemis II, which will send four astronauts around the Moon and back. The mission is a crucial step towards establishing a sustainable presence on the lunar surface.

In addition to these developments, NASA's ESCAPADE mission is set to study space weather from Earth to Mars. The mission, which launched on November 13, 2025, has turned on its science instruments and is investigating how the solar wind has stripped away much of the Martian atmosphere. The findings of the mission could help NASA protect future explorers from the harsh Martian conditions.

The ESCAPADE mission is also studying space weather in new ways near Earth and on the way to Mars. The mission's science instruments are operating as of February 25, and the data they collect will help scientists understand the impact of space weather on the Martian atmosphere.

As NASA continues to push the boundaries of space exploration, the agency is also providing opportunities for the public to experience the thrill of space travel. On March 3, 2026, a total lunar eclipse will be visible from the Pacific Ocean region, offering a rare opportunity for observers to witness one of the top astronomical events of the year.

The total lunar eclipse is the climax of the first of two eclipse seasons for 2026. The season kicked off with the annular solar eclipse across Antarctica on February 17, and the second season will feature a total solar eclipse across Greenland, Iceland, and Spain on August 12.

As NASA continues to explore the vastness of space, the agency is also working to make space travel more accessible and sustainable. The development of 3D printing technology, the progress of the Artemis campaign, and the launch of the ESCAPADE mission are all crucial steps towards establishing a human presence in space.

Sources:

• JPL 3D-Printed Part Springs Forward
• NASA Invites Media to Discuss Next Steps for Artemis Campaign
• Into Totality: Our Complete Guide to the March 3rd Total Lunar Eclipse
• NASA’s ESCAPADE Ready to Study Space Weather from Earth to Mars