Building a Better (Cheaper) Rocket

Rocket Lab, Huntington Beach, Calif., 3D-prints virtually every component of its Rutherford engine, which powers the Electron rocket shown here.  According to the company website, it takes just 24 hours to 3D-print each engine. Another unique feature of the Electron rocket is the fact that battery-powered pumps inject the liquid oxygen and kerosene fuel into the engine. Conventional rocket engine fuel pumps require their own fuel and have complex designs. In addition, the rocket body is made of lightweight carbon composites. The combination of 3D printing, battery-powered pumps, and composite body reduces both weight and cost.