3D printed space rocket

Discussion in 'Astronomy, Exobiology, & Cosmology' started by Benson, Aug 13, 2021.

  1. Benson Registered Senior Member

    Messages:
    230
    Very interesting that they can now print large space rockets, massively lowering the cost and build time.

     
    Q-reeus likes this.
  2. Google AdSense Guest Advertisement



    to hide all adverts.
  3. Jeeves Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    5,089
    Who is going to launch all those mass-produced rockets?
     
  4. Google AdSense Guest Advertisement



    to hide all adverts.
  5. Q-reeus Banned Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    4,695
    Amazing levels of sophistication required, but once there, obviously huge advantages over traditional techniques. One downer though. At least one other startup is making rocket casings using carbon fiber composite:
    https://www.compositesworld.com/articles/rocket-lab-all-composite-electron-launch-vehicle
    There is no way 3D printed aluminum alloy can compete with that on a strength and stiffness to weight ratio basis. Not sure of the time to manufacture comparison but I would imagine composite wrapping/curing would be very competitive. What is clear is that the industry has become crowded with startups and only a few will survive longer term.

    BTW this thread would have been more appropriate in GS&T or Architecture & Engineering sub-forum.
     
    Last edited: Aug 14, 2021
  6. Google AdSense Guest Advertisement



    to hide all adverts.
  7. Benson Registered Senior Member

    Messages:
    230
    Take any space agency around the world, they just need to buy in a 3D printed rocket to save a fortune. It means they can do more missions for the same buck.
     
  8. Jeeves Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    5,089
    I got that part. But how many can of them actually launch? And to where?
     
  9. Benson Registered Senior Member

    Messages:
    230
    That's covered in the video.
     
  10. Jeeves Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    5,089
    Oh. Okay. Carry on
     
  11. Yazata Valued Senior Member

    Messages:
    5,902
    One downside of 3-d printed rockets is that 3-d printing doesn't scale very well from prototypes to quantity production.

    That's why Astra decided not to go with 3-d printing. They want to manufacture lots of rockets
     

Share This Page