The challenge came from ESA – European Space Agency: to obtain a filament to produce parts for 3D printing, of very high specifications (polymer resistant to high temperature, with electrical conductivity).

This filament allows new pieces to be printed without leaving space. The objective of ESA, who aims the colonization of the Moon and Mars, is to have a warehouse of raw materials with different properties and depending on local needs (the product that needs to be manufactured), dispose of the material, and build the part in the site.

University of Minho and PIEP are the only worldwide suppliers of this type of material for additive manufacturing (3D printing), to be included in lunar probe sensors and satellite coating.

These new materials are designed to respond to the most demanding challenges of space but are also seen as an impetus for important advances on Earth, to be applied in other areas.