Although NASA, which has been focusing on black technology for 30 years, stopped its space shuttle program early, the ambitious NASA recently successfully tested the parts made with 3D printers for the first time. In a series of endurance tests, this part made by the new non-traditional printer passed the test; It includes high-pressure combustion of liquid oxygen and gaseous hydrogen. The success of NASA has allowed scientists to see the opportunity to quickly build cheap rockets in the future.

The 3D printer for manufacturing parts is similar to the ordinary 3D printer. The difference is that this machine uses special metal powder and is precisely guided by a high-power laser module. This innovative technology is called selective laser melting (SLM). Just like the traditional 3D printer, this 3D printer repeatedly overlays metal powder processing. NASA will use SLM to build components for future heavy space launch systems.

Engine fuel injector is one of the most expensive rocket engine parts. The technological innovation brought by 3D printing has greatly shortened its production time (from years to months) and saved 70% of the current cost. After the success of the test, NASA announced to increase its production scale to achieve feasible low-cost manufacturing.

However, like the US Navy, NASA has announced that there is no further flight test plan before 2017.