Nasa successfully tests first ever 3D-printed rocket component

Additive printing could lead to cheaper and quicker production of rockets

NASA have successfully tested the first-ever 3D printed rocket component.

Nasa has successfully tested the first-ever 3D printed rocket component. “This space technology demonstration may lead to more efficient manufacturing of rocket engines,” said NASA in an official statement, “saving American companies time and money.”

The component in question – a fuel injector described as “the heart of a rocket engine” - was subjected to a serious of firing tests using liquid oxygen and gaseous hydrogen. The injector was created by the company Aerojet Rocketdyne by a method using high-powered lasers to melt and fuse metallic powders into the desired shapes.

"NASA recognizes that on Earth and potentially in space, additive manufacturing can be game-changing for new mission opportunities, significantly reducing production time and cost by 'printing' tools, engine parts or even entire spacecraft," said Michael Gazarik, Nasa's associate administrator for space technology in Washington.

"3-D manufacturing offers opportunities to optimize the fit, form and delivery systems of materials that will enable our space missions while directly benefiting American businesses here on Earth."

The component successfully tested was built in less than four months, whilst traditional methods would have taken more than a year, giving a 70 per cent reduction in costs.

"Rocket engine components are complex machined pieces that require significant labor and time to produce. The injector is one of the most expensive components of an engine," said Tyler Hickman, an engineer responsible for testing the injector.

After this successful experiment the injector’s creators now say they will be ready to move on to “demonstrate the feasibility of developing full-size, additively manufactured parts.”