posted 05-01-2023 07:30 PM               

Guardians of the Galaxy visit (real) ISS for 3D-printed Zune and STEAM education

Before "The Guardians of the Galaxy" launch into movie theaters this weekend, Rocket and Cosmo are making a pitstop at the International Space Station to help engage students in the future of space-based 3D printing and to pick up a replacement for Star-Lord's Zune music player.

The crossover between sci-fi and science fact is the product of a new partnership and Space Act Agreement between RedWire, the company operating the Additive Manufacturing Facility on the space station, Microsoft and NASA. Through a sponsorship from the ISS National Laboratory, Redwire and Microsoft intend to 3D print a Zune on the ISS to demonstrate manufacturing in microgravity and help promote STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts and math) education.