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Author
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Topic: HP ENVY ISS zero-g printer for space station
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Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 04-02-2018 08:00 AM
   
collectSPACE Mission Ctrl-P: HP launches new zero-g printer for the space stationThe astronauts on the International Space Station have access to a slew of state-of-the-art scientific instruments and cutting-edge technology, from hand-held DNA sequencers to robot assistants to even a 3D printer. But when it comes to plain old 2D printing, the emphasis, as of late, has been on the "old."  |
kyra
Member Posts: 583
From: Louisville CO US
Registered: Aug 2003
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posted 04-02-2018 11:24 AM
I would presume this is a Custom Off-The-Shelf COTS program?Of course, with only 50 produced in the NASA and HP partnership this will not be produced for the public. I wonder if "Where can we get one?" was in the list of questions not to ask to HP Media Relations in over the air interviews. They sold me with the unintended sales pitch that it does not waste ink and is reliability tested to not jam. In addition, there is no fax (surprised they are still used) and no glass to reduce weight. I'll bet the driver software is lean and clean and will not nag when the cartridges are low with toll free numbers. In short, they have built the inkjet that the public has wanted for the last twenty years. It is the envy of the Envy. As to why they didn't modify a color laser printer instead of an inkjet, ostensibly this is a weight issue? Or is it because of a high heat and potential of fire safety? Maybe both. I wish the ISS crews well on up to a decade of trouble free printing. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42981
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 04-02-2018 11:32 AM
Laser jet printers were ruled out due to weight, the laser being a safety hazard and concern about the fine powder in the drum becoming loose and contaminating the station, according to NASA.The firmware does indeed remove the scanner and other functions, but otherwise is identical to the software that ships with the retail product. And yes, the HP Envy ISS printer is only available to NASA. But were it offered as a commemorative limited edition printer, presumably priced higher than the off-the-shelf Office Jet 5740 on which it is based (so more than $150), would you (a) buy it and (b) if yes, want it to be an exact replica to the on-orbit model or add back in the scanner and other functions? |
kyra
Member Posts: 583
From: Louisville CO US
Registered: Aug 2003
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posted 04-02-2018 01:53 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Robert Pearlman:
...would you (a) buy it and (b) if yes, want it to be an exact replica to the on-orbit model or add back in the scanner and other functions?
Indeed I would, but this would prove a point that I don't think like the average printer buyer. I generally buy appliances and software that are not bundled and are as reliable as possible and expected to exceed any planned obsolescent shelf life. Consider it as NASA Spinoff and good industrial design and practicality taken to the extreme with a fringe benefit the item is collectable.This presents a whole new avenue the space collecting community has not considered that could be fun and in the long term save money by practicing. NASA and Mil spec for the home. Call it COTS Phase II with a goal of lowering prices of universal durable products for NASA, military, medical and home use through mass production. | |
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