3D printing can be used to create all sorts of weird and wonderful things, whether it be a complete office to a fully functional motorcycle, it all seems to be possible. This is why it doesn’t come as a surprise to learn that students at the University of California San Diego have managed to create and launch a rocket that uses a 3D printed engine.
The surprising part of it is that these students actually managed to beat the likes of NASA to the punch. Apparently they are the first university group to have successfully achieve launch with their design. The rocket itself is dubbed the Vulcan-1 and measures 19 feet long, 8-inches in diameter, and is capable of a 750 pound thrust.
It is also powered by a cryogen combination of liquid oxygen and refine kerosene. NASA has been attempting to build 3D printed rocket engines in the past but like we said, it seems that these students have managed to beat them to it. It has also been reported that private space companies have also been trying to create rockets with 3D printed parts.
That being said while not exactly a rocket, the European Space Agency have recently tried 3D printing satellite parts which helps to reduce the cost of production and the time it takes to manufacture them. In any case if you are curious, you can check out the rocket’s launch in the video above.
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