NASA successfully launched a rocket built by a 3D printer

 NASA and Aerojet Rocketdyne have tested the first 3D-printed mock-up of a rocket engine. What you see below is what passed the test: The 3D-printed rocket actually flew.

Although NASA only classifies it as a secondary step in the rocket engine manufacturing process, this 3D printer is far superior to its peers. NASA uses lasers to melt layers of metal powder into the components that make up the rocket engine. And if the test is successful, NASA will soon apply it to create a 3D spacecraft model.

This technology not only saves time and effort in building rockets, it also minimizes mistakes that can ruin the rocket launch into orbit. With this improvement, the time is reduced by half, and the cost is only 30%, when compared to the old manufacturing methods.

NASA said that they do not plan to test these 3D models in space until 2017, but everything is going very smoothly. If it becomes a reality, it is very possible that one day, anyone will be able to hold a ticket to travel to space.