3D printing is revolutionizing space exploration by enabling on-demand and rapid manufacturing capabilities, addressing challenges such as mass reduction, intricate component fabrication, and resource constraints. Despite the difficulties posed by microgravity and extreme environments, advancements in 3D printing technology are crucial for aerospace science. Beyond producing space structures, 3D printing is also contributing to progress in electronics, biomedicine, and resource optimization. This perspective explores the technological advantages, environmental challenges, development status, and opportunities of 3D printing in space, highlighting its potential to unlock innovative solutions, reshape manufacturing practices, and foster self-sufficiency in future space endeavors. Key areas of application include: - **Mechanical Structures**: 3D printing can fabricate large structures in orbit, reducing mission costs by launching only raw materials and essential components. - **Biomedicine**: 3D bioprinting can generate tissue and organs, facilitating regenerative and sustainable healthcare in space. - **Resource Optimization**: 3D printing can utilize in-situ resources, such as regoliths, to construct artificial habitats on celestial bodies like the Moon and Mars. However, 3D printing in space faces significant challenges, including microgravity, extreme temperature differentials, and cosmic radiation. Specialized printers and advanced thermal control systems are essential to overcome these issues. Current initiatives, such as parabolic flight campaigns and experiments on the International Space Station, are advancing the technology. Polymer, metal, and cell-laden substance 3D printing have shown promising results, with successful demonstrations of functional components and tissue constructs. The future of 3D printing in space is promising, with ongoing research aimed at broadening applications, enhancing efficiency, and uncovering new materials. Strategic use of space challenges can transform them into opportunities, fostering innovative solutions and broadening the horizons of 3D printing technology.3D printing is revolutionizing space exploration by enabling on-demand and rapid manufacturing capabilities, addressing challenges such as mass reduction, intricate component fabrication, and resource constraints. Despite the difficulties posed by microgravity and extreme environments, advancements in 3D printing technology are crucial for aerospace science. Beyond producing space structures, 3D printing is also contributing to progress in electronics, biomedicine, and resource optimization. This perspective explores the technological advantages, environmental challenges, development status, and opportunities of 3D printing in space, highlighting its potential to unlock innovative solutions, reshape manufacturing practices, and foster self-sufficiency in future space endeavors. Key areas of application include: - **Mechanical Structures**: 3D printing can fabricate large structures in orbit, reducing mission costs by launching only raw materials and essential components. - **Biomedicine**: 3D bioprinting can generate tissue and organs, facilitating regenerative and sustainable healthcare in space. - **Resource Optimization**: 3D printing can utilize in-situ resources, such as regoliths, to construct artificial habitats on celestial bodies like the Moon and Mars. However, 3D printing in space faces significant challenges, including microgravity, extreme temperature differentials, and cosmic radiation. Specialized printers and advanced thermal control systems are essential to overcome these issues. Current initiatives, such as parabolic flight campaigns and experiments on the International Space Station, are advancing the technology. Polymer, metal, and cell-laden substance 3D printing have shown promising results, with successful demonstrations of functional components and tissue constructs. The future of 3D printing in space is promising, with ongoing research aimed at broadening applications, enhancing efficiency, and uncovering new materials. Strategic use of space challenges can transform them into opportunities, fostering innovative solutions and broadening the horizons of 3D printing technology.