REINVENT NEW FRONTIERS

In 2016, NASA began launching HP ZBook Workstations to the International Space Station (ISS). Approximately 120 ZBooks will be deployed to support its mission operations and utilization objectives including sparing.

In 2017, NASA selected the HP OfficeJet 5740 Printer as a “Next Generation Printer” to replace the existing printing capability onboard the ISS. In response to this selection, HP developed a custom HP ENVY Zero-Gravity Printer for use in the ISS.

REINVENT NEW FRONTIERS

In 2016, NASA began launching HP ZBook Workstations to the International Space Station (ISS). Approximately 120 ZBooks will be deployed to support its mission operations and utilization objectives including sparing.

In 2017, NASA selected the HP OfficeJet 5740 Printer as a “Next Generation Printer” to replace the existing printing capability onboard the ISS. In response to this selection, HP developed a custom HP ENVY Zero-Gravity Printer for use in the ISS.

The ISS Crew members print about two reams of paper a month in total across all printers. Hardcopies are used for procedural and mission critical information like Emergency E-Books, inventory Return trajectories, timelines, and personal items, including letters and photographs from home.

The HP ENVY Zero-Gravity Printers are currently scheduled to launch to the ISS on the Space-X 14 rocket.
 

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Mission NV
THE

HP ENVY ISS Printer

While the bulk of the HP ENVY Zero-Gravity printer is off-the-shelf, NASA had a list of requirements that the printer needed in order to safely operate onboard the ISS including:
  • Paper management in zero-G
  • Flame retardant plastics
  • Waste ink management in zero-G
  • Glass removal
  • Wired and wireless connectivity
  • Printing in multiple orientations (0⁰, 90⁰.180⁰ & 270⁰ positions)
  • Environmental Testing (EMI, Materials, Acoustics, Flammability, Off-gassing, Power Compatibility, etc.)
  • Paper management in zero-G
  • Flame retardant plastics
  • Waste ink management in zero-G
  • Glass removal
  • Wired and wireless connectivity
  • Printing in multiple orientations (0⁰, 90⁰.180⁰ & 270⁰ positions)
  • Environmental Testing (EMI, Materials, Acoustics, Flammability, Off-gassing, Power Compatibility, etc.)
The zero - G Envy Printer
The zero - G Envy Printer
The zero-G requirements were the most challenging to meet and verify due to their unique nature. Through creative reengineering and the use of specialized materials and 3D printed components, the HP ENVY Zero-Gravity Printer successfully met all of NASA’s requirements.
3D component
3D component
3D component
"I think that this project with NASA is an amazing example of print renaissance because it’s one of those where you have a problem or challenge and you don’t know how to achieve it. But if you have the belief that you can achieve this and then you put your mind to it and teams work towards a solution and they solve it, that’s really what print renaissance is about."
VIKRANT BATRA, HEAD OF PRINT MARKETING
"Through the creative ingenuity of HP’s SPS team and access to HP’s MultiJet Fusion 3D printing technology, we were able to design and produce complex parts that ensured the HP ENVY Zero-Gravity Printer successfully met all of NASA’s requirements."
Enrique Lores, President, Imaging & Printing Business
"The most exciting part is yet to come, when we are done and can send this thing up into space."
Ben Moore, Lead Technician, 3D MJF Lab
HP ORIGINAL INK

HP ORIGINAL INK

The ISS Envy uses Original HP 62 and 62XL cartridges, both of which did not require any re-engineering or modifications to be used on the International Space Station in a zero gravity environment. The technology and chemical formulation of the inks were already designed to work across many boundaries, including on earth, and in space.
HP Zbook 

MISSION CRITICAL

Designed for high-stakes performance, HP ZBooks will be part of the mission command and control functions onboard the International Space Station, including vehicle control, life support and critical maintenance operations.
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