steel melting 3D printer at space station

https://www.techspot.com/news/101857-experimental-3d-printer-melt-steel-create-new-objects.html

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The 3D printer utilizes an industrial process known as additive manufacturing, one that has already revolutionized the design of parts and objects on Earth. While the ISS has several 3D printers using plastic material, metal printing presents different challenges, requiring a laser to reach the melting point of stainless steel (1,400 degrees Celsius), compared to the 200 degrees Celsius needed for plastic wires.
Ensuring the safety of the crew and the station is paramount, the ESA emphasized, requiring proper heat and fumes recycling. The printer operates within a fully sealed box, and the internal oxygen atmosphere must be replaced by nitrogen during printing to prevent oxidization of the metal parts being printed.

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Yes ... once they discover a source of raw materials and have the equipment to mine and process it. I don't think many people realize that populating another planet or whatever will basically relegate the new inhabitants to the status of "cave man". They may possess vast knowledge but without an endless array of tools and equipment that knowledge is virtually useless. In order to dig a hole you need a shovel !!

this additional story reminds me of the medical emergency at the isolated South Pole research building a few years ago:

https://www.aol.com/news/tiny-robot-completed-first-remote-004911684.html

You don't need a shovel to dig a hole. You just need to be able to think, what do I need to do and what do I have on hand. Ever watch MacGyer? It's people like that which will colonize other worlds while people like you sit at home saying "we're doomed".