International Space Station makes use of 3-D printer

This past week, crews on the International Space Station made their first 3-D object in space.

Crews used a 3-D printer to create a white printer part.

The part even says "Made in Space" right on it.

NASA is hopeful 3-D printing will help crews make items on board the space station when they need them, rather than shipping them from Earth.

The astronauts are also researching how items made in zero gravity compare to those made on Earth.