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SuperDraco on SpaceX’s crew dragon capsule aren’t used in the launch, but it’s the launch escape system. [1] SpaceX also apparently prints the main oxidizer va

SuperDraco on SpaceX’s crew dragon capsule aren’t used in the launch, but it’s the launch escape system. [1] SpaceX also apparently prints the main oxidizer valve in Falcon 9’s Merlin 1D, which isn’t a single use vehicle, but who knows what components get replaced between launches. [2] As of 2016, the Raptor engine being developed for ITS (now Starship) was 40% printed by mass, but I have no idea how much of that was for faster prototyping and if they might be using less in later production. [3] Rocket Lab’s Rutherford engine for their Electron rocket. [4] More in the works from Relativity Space, Launcher, NASA, and others I’m sure. We’ll see what pans out. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SuperDraco https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SuperDraco [2] https://3dprint.com/10830/spacex-3d-print-oxidizer-valve/ https://3dprint.com/10830/spacex-3d-print-oxidizer-valve/ [3] https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/10/its-propulsion-evolution-raptor-engine/ https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2016/10/its-propulsion-evolu... [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rutherford_(rocket_engine) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rutherford_(rocket_engine)

WalterBright 6y ago
The block diagram of the Raptor engine is just sick - it's brilliantly simple! I suspect that parts of it are 3D printed because of the difficulties in machining the shapes necessary. That may make it worthwhile to use lower-strength 3D technology and compensate by having more weight, but I'm just speculating. I'd love to just set one of those engines on a bench and take it apart. It's interesting to see von Braun's turbo-pump innovation is still the go-to technology after nearly 90 years. Also the fuel pre-heater used as the nozzle cooler.
- wlesieutre 6y ago
  It's not the first full-flow staged combustion engine ever built, but it is the first to get off the test stand and fly. Looks a lot more complicated in real life compared to the block diagram https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SpaceX_Raptor#/media/File:SpaceX_sea-level_Raptor_at_Hawthorne_-_2.jpg https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SpaceX_Raptor#/media/File:Spac... And the Super Heavy booster is supposed to have at least 28 of those. At one point it was 37.
  - WalterBright 6y ago
    > a lot more complicated in real life compared to the block diagram Sure, jet engines are like that, too. Steam locomotives, too, they are festooned with pipes and things. I once spent some time at a museum tracing the tubes trying to discern their purpose. (I've seen many engines in a museum, simply none of them had any sort of detailed explanation of what you're looking at. Too bad, so sad. Just a couple sentences "This is an XYX motor from a GHZ." Making it boring.) It would be fun to see what all the tubes on the raptor engine are for.

WalterBright 6y ago

The block diagram of the Raptor engine is just sick - it's brilliantly simple! I suspect that parts of it are 3D printed because of the difficulties in machining the shapes necessary. That may make it worthwhile to use lower-strength 3D technology and compensate by having more weight, but I'm just speculating. I'd love to just set one of those engines on a bench and take it apart. It's interesting to see von Braun's turbo-pump innovation is still the go-to technology after nearly 90 years. Also the fuel pre-heater used as the nozzle cooler.

wlesieutre 6y ago
It's not the first full-flow staged combustion engine ever built, but it is the first to get off the test stand and fly. Looks a lot more complicated in real life compared to the block diagram https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SpaceX_Raptor#/media/File:SpaceX_sea-level_Raptor_at_Hawthorne_-_2.jpg https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SpaceX_Raptor#/media/File:Spac... And the Super Heavy booster is supposed to have at least 28 of those. At one point it was 37.
- WalterBright 6y ago
  > a lot more complicated in real life compared to the block diagram Sure, jet engines are like that, too. Steam locomotives, too, they are festooned with pipes and things. I once spent some time at a museum tracing the tubes trying to discern their purpose. (I've seen many engines in a museum, simply none of them had any sort of detailed explanation of what you're looking at. Too bad, so sad. Just a couple sentences "This is an XYX motor from a GHZ." Making it boring.) It would be fun to see what all the tubes on the raptor engine are for.