Small Companies Use 3D Printing to Make Major Impacts on Space Exploration

It's no surprise to hear someone say that 3D printing is the future of space exploration and travel, but it may surprise some people to learn how large a role small companies are playing in the advancement of space exploration. For example, Rocket Lab made big headlines back in 2015 when they announced the completion of the Electron Launch System, the world's first battery-powered rocket. In another first, the rocket is powered by the electric Rutherford engine, the first-ever oxygen/hydrocarbon engine with all of its major components 3D printed. The two-stage rocket, capable of carrying payloads of up to 330 pounds, is scheduled to make its first test launches before the end of the year, with actual flights beginning in 2017. Read more at 3DPrint.com: https://3dprint.com/153038/3d-printi...et-lab-engine/

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