3D Printing in Space! No, this is not the name of a new science-fiction show. There is indeed a zero gravity operated 3D Printer on its way to the International Space Station (ISS).

This is an update on the 3D Printer that was reported on in June 21, 2014. The zero gravity and super advanced printer will now make its debut in the middle of this month. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and some experts are excited about the arrival of the 3D printer to the ISS.

Back in June, NASA and the zero gravity 3D Printer makers Made In Space had announced their first ever outer space 3D printer. Made In Space, the 4-year-old 3D printing company, was inspired by "Star Trek's" "replicators." Those replicators could make clothes, food and mechanical parts.

While additive manufacturing 3D printing is at the moment relatively new, its applications, uses and influence have grown faster than a rocket travelling to space. Made In Space's 3D Printer can handle zero gravity conditions. It is expected to build objects layer by layer out of polymers and other materials.

The outer space printer is scheduled to be launched with cargo on the SpaceX-4's resupply mission. So far this NASA and Made In Space project is categorized as an experiment titled "3D Printing in Zero-G Technology Demonstration," CNET reported. This super advanced printer is the size of a small microwave.

While this super advanced 3D Printer is in its infancy, the long-term goal is to have a space-based machine shop for astronauts. If this experiment is successful, then NASA will move onto its next phase, an Additive Manufacturing Facility, CNET reported. The hope is to have this kind of printer create tools, and spare parts.

"This means that we could go from having a part designed on the ground to printed in orbit within an hour from start to finish," Niki Werkheiser, NASA's 3D print project manager, said in statement. "The on-demand capability can revolutionize the constrained supply chain model we are limited to today and will be critical for exploration missions," Werkheiser said, CNET reported.

One NASA astronaut agrees with this kind of 3D printer. "I remember when the tip broke off a tool during a mission," T.J. Creamer said, according to Space.com. Creamer had lived aboard the ISS for nearly seven months, from December 2009 to June 2010.

"I had to wait for the next shuttle to come up to bring me a new one. Now, rather than wait for a resupply ship to bring me a new tool, in the future, I could just print it," Creamer said.

Researchers believe that this additive manufacturing could take 15 minutes to an hour to replicate something aboard the ISS. This all depends on the size and how complex the object is, Space.com reported. Another advantage with this printer is that the blueprints of the desired model could be uploaded onto the machine before launch, or even sent from Earth to the ISS.

The Earthbound 3D printers and its applications have really taken off with companies such as, Staples who are already making 3D printing available to the public; and, the Intel company has provided blueprints for people to build a 3D robot.