Human tissue will be manufactured in space while a 3D bio-printer gives way to the International Space Station

The production of human tissue in space will begin shortly as part of a 3D bioprinter experiment sent to the International Space Station.

A space capsule carrying a 3D printer for human tissue manufacturing is on its way to the International Space Station after the thunderous launch of SpaceX.

The American company's Falcon 9 rocket dodged its threatening clouds as it took off, sending a Dragon capsule on its third trip to the orbiting outpost. The ship will dock at the station early Saturday.

Dragon conducts scientific experiments, many of which focus on cellular science, as well as traditional supplies.

Officials from biotech companies nScrypt and Techshot Inc. said that this 3D printer the size of a mini-refrigerator would be controlled by scientists in the field and that it was printing nerve cells, muscle cells and proteins.

The experiment uses the near-absence of gravity to help the cells maintain their shape.

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