Space Foundation — a non-profit organisation that is based in Colorado Springs, Colorado (the USA) and ‘offers information, education and collaboration for the global space ecosystem’ — recently confirmed that Boeing has awarded the Space Foundation Discovery Centre a grant to fund a new 826ft² additive manufacturing (AM) Space Lab. Devoted to 3-D design, 3-D printing, and other AM and fabrication methods, the Boeing Additive Manufacturing Space Lab will be ‘a new immersive education lab serving students, teachers and industry across the globe’.

Heather Pringle, Space Foundation’s CEO, said: “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 Centre to the forefront of innovative educational offerings. This generous grant will fuel the creation of a new Additive Manufacturing Space Lab, empowering educators, inspiring students, and connecting with partners worldwide. We are excited to continue this transformative partnership with Boeing.”

Kay Sears, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space, Intelligence and Weapons Systems, added: “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. We are proud to support the Space Foundation’s new AM lab at the Discovery Centre, which will serve as an important resource for students to learn through hands-on training and experience.

“With plans to advance additive manufacturing in commercial, civil, and government sectors, Boeing aims to be at the forefront of AM technology for future crewed space missions. Recognising a shortage of skilled professionals in related fields, Boeing seeks to partner with Space Foundation to address this gap. Lab programming, developed in collaboration with Boeing, will target students from first grade onward, fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment to nurture skills essential for additive manufacturing careers.”

Heather Pringle concluded: “The Lab will also integrate seamlessly with other ‘Discovery Centre experiences’. This synergy with existing labs, such as the Drone Lab and Lockheed Martin Mars Robotics Lab, amplifies the educational journey by leveraging 3-D printing technology. Indeed, the Lab fosters cross-disciplinary connections, promoting a comprehensive understanding of cutting-edge technologies.”