Video: Discover how the world's largest 3D-printed space rocket is made.
The New Zealand company founded by engineer Peter Beck has demonstrated how Rocket Lab specialists are using a new automated fiber placement (AFP) machine to construct the world's largest composite space rocket, known as Neutron.
2024-10-22 07:29:47https://naked-science.ru/community/999915
The twelve-meter-long and 75-ton autonomous 3D printer lays down sheets of carbon fiber in various directions, layer by layer, to provide strength and rigidity to the Neutron structure.
During the manufacturing process, a fully automated control system scans the carbon composite structure for defects.
Rocket Lab specialists have reported that the use of AFP allows for a savings of over 150,000 man-hours in the construction of composite reusable rockets, making them more accessible, as well as faster and easier to produce.
The length of the two-stage partially reusable Neutron rocket will be 30 meters, with a diameter of its nose cone measuring 4.5 meters.
Rocket Lab plans to launch the first Neutron rocket in mid-2025.