The European Space Agency is no stranger to using the latest technology to help in their exploration of outer space.

After setting up a research station in Antarctica to study human reactions to extended space travel, it's now opening a laboratory to test how 3D-printing can help astronauts explore the galaxy in future space missions.

The laboratory, located in Didcot, about 80 kilometers west of London, will be used to test the next generation of 3D printers.

Also called 'additive manufacturing,' these 3-D printers can make objects of almost any shape or geometry, and are produced according to design data sent to it from a computer.

The printers can be anywhere on earth, the moon or even outer space, and are capable of producing complex metallic structures, and performing mechanical tests.

ESA's director of technology Franco Ongaro says while 3D printing presents an exciting prospect, there is still much to learn about his relatively new technique.

"It's both extremely exciting and to a certain extent maddening. It's a little bit like your - let me try and bring it down to your kitchen - your new ceramic knife, it cuts wonderfully, but if it falls to the ground it falls to pieces and you don't know how to sharpen it, you can't sharpen it."

ESA's aim in the short term is to use the printer to produce engine parts for rocket launchers.

Taking that a step further, Ongaro believes that one day they may even be able to build habitable structures on the moon or other planets.

"We could use regulates on the Moon, to actually 3D print blocks that we could use to build a habitat on the Moon. So, it's more than the sky's the limit, it's the universe is the limit."

The ESA's ministerial council is due to meet in December in Switzerland where they will make the final decisions on its future programs.

ESA general director Jan Woerner says he hopes Britain's exit of the European Union won't impact on the operation of the UK-based lab.

"Space is working beyond this Earthly crisis. So therefore, I think that space can also play an important role in this respect. So, we are really above all the borders, physically, but also mentally and therefore our science is a global science."

Scientists will also be using the new laboratory to assess new material processes and joining techniques for applications in space.

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