New Dragon Version 2 Space Capsule Using 3D Printing

SpaceX's latest space capsule which they unveiled yesterday actually features 3D printing. In fact one of the most important parts on the spacecraft is 3D printed. The engine combustion chambers for the 8 Superdraco thrusters are created using a direct metal laser sintering process. By using 3D printing to create these parts SpaceX was able to save a tremendous amount of money and time. Check out a picture below of the Superdraco Thruster firing. Inside the thruster there is an a combustion chamber 3D printed from a nickel chromium alloy material called Inconel:

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Pretty cool if you ask me, that such an advanced company is relying on 3D printing for such an important aspect of this spacecraft. More details here: http://3dprint.com/4740/spacex-dragon-2-3d-print/

Such excitement has been imbued into the NASA program with the advent of companies like SpaceX, responsible for launching the Dragon cargo spacecraft to the ISS bearing the first 3D printer—and then coming back with what they were actually able to make. The excitement has been continuing as the public is made aware of testing, even when it doesn’t go so well, as in recent developments with the Falcon 9. Today though was a success as history was being made with the launch of the first crew Dragon Spacecraft for a test abort mission carrying a dummy and weighed down with aluminum to account for the weight a true full team would lend when inside. Important data was collected from the mission, upon with the Dragon landed gently and successfully a mile offshore in the Atlantic. More details: http://3dprint.com/63400/spacex-send...-to-5000-feet/

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SpaceX is further confirming the readiness of their powerful SuperDracos, after 27 test fires at their McGregor, Texas facility. Upon evaluations with a variety of thrust cycles, it was confirmed once again that the thrusters are ready to do their job, integrated into the Dragon spacecraft as a safety mechanism, able to carry the astronauts to safety should something go wrong at launch or in orbit. While that is their sole purpose now, it is thought in the future that these thrusters may also be useful in descent, eliminating the traditional parachute system. Read more at 3DPrint.com: http://3dprint.com/105511/spacex-3d-printed-superdraco/

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