Space station’s 3-D printer pops out 1st creation — a part for itself

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The first 3-D printer in space has popped out its first creation.

The 3-D printer delivered to the International Space Station two months ago made a sample replacement part for itself this week. NASA says it churned out a replica of the face plate for the print head casing.

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Space station commander Butch Wilmore set aside the small plastic creation Tuesday for eventual return to Earth. About 20 objects will be printed in the next few weeks for analysis back home.

NASA hopes to one day use 3-D printing to fix broken equipment in space.

A Northern California company called Made in Space supplied the 3-D printer. The European Space Agency plans to fly its own 3-D printer next year.