Key Takeaways
- Retired astronaut Jeanette Epps visited ESA’s ESTEC after her ISS mission, where she supported various European experiments.
- During her nearly eight-month stay, Epps operated ESA’s Metal 3D Printer and participated in life science studies.
- Epps expressed appreciation for ESA engineers who collaborated with her on groundbreaking space projects.
Jeanette Epps’ Visit to ESA’s ESTEC
In September, Jeanette Epps, a retired NASA astronaut, visited the European Space Agency’s (ESA) technical center, ESTEC, in the Netherlands, where she was warmly received by Dietmar Pilz, ESA’s Director for Technology, Engineering, and Quality. Epps’ affiliation with ESA is well-established, as she played a significant role in various European experiments during her mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Epps launched to the ISS as a mission specialist on NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8 in May 2024, completing her nearly eight-month mission in October 2024. Throughout her time aboard the ISS, she contributed extensively to many ESA projects. Notably, she operated ESA’s Metal 3D Printer, which successfully created the first metal part produced in space. This achievement is a significant milestone in advanced manufacturing and its potential applications in future space missions.
In addition to operating the 3D printer, Epps was involved with KUBIK, a miniature laboratory designed for life science experiments. Her contributions included recording lightning occurrences in the upper atmosphere, a task associated with the Thor-Davis experiment, which was conducted in collaboration with the Danish Technical University (DTU) and ESA. Epps also managed a remote team of robots in space as part of the Surface Avatar experiment, a joint project led by ESA and the German Aerospace Centre (DLR).
To prepare for her mission, Epps underwent extensive training, which included underwater and underground simulations facilitated by ESA’s CAVES program. Her visit to ESTEC allowed her to engage with the engineers who supported her endeavors during her time on the ISS. Advenit Makaya, an advanced manufacturing engineer at ESA working on the Metal 3D Printer project, commented on the honor of meeting Epps, who, alongside Sunita Williams, was instrumental in producing the world’s first metal part printed in orbit.
During her visit, Epps articulated her gratitude towards the ESA teams whose efforts made her groundbreaking work in space possible. Her endeavors underscore the collaborative spirit of international space exploration, demonstrating how partnerships can lead to pioneering advancements in technology and research in microgravity environments.
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