A rocket with a 3D printed engine launched in New Zealand

The rocket Electron successfully flew out of the atmosphere but, for unclear reasons, couldn’t make it to the sun-synchronous orbit as it had been originally planned. Nevertheless, the New Zealand company Rocket Lab responsible for the launch was pleased with the results.

Its CEO Peter Beck says that the very fact of entering the space on the first try is a great achievement which makes the company one step closer to reaching its main goal – shipment of private cargo to the orbit.

Electron is a light rocket capable of transporting objects up to 150 kg. Almost all the components of engines were 3D printed. It allowed Rocket Lab to decrease expenses on manufacturing and launching of the rocket to 5 million dollars.

If further testing is successful, the company will be able to make rocket manufacturing regular and significantly speed up shipment of cargo to the orbit.