The US space agency and Aerojet Rocketdyne tested a rocket engine injector made through 3D printing. NASA said this space technology could eventually help save American companies time and money. They were able to demonstrate the ability to design, manufacture and test this highly critical rocket engine component by using selective laser melting manufacturing.

“NASA recognizes that on Earth and potentially in space, additive manufacturing can be game-changing for new mission opportunities, significantly reducing production time and cost by ‘printing’ tools, engine parts or even entire spacecraft,” said Michael Gazarik, NASA’s associate administrator for space technology in Washington. “3-D manufacturing offers opportunities to optimize the fit, form and delivery systems of materials that will enable our space missions while directly benefiting American businesses here on Earth.”