NASA und Partner entwickeln einen 3D-gedruckten Aluminiumraketenantrieb im Rahmen des RAMFIRE-Projekts.
Dieser innovative Antrieb ermöglicht die Herstellung leichterer, hitzebeständiger und effizienterer Raumfahrtkomponenten.
Die Technologie könnte die Raumfahrtindustrie revolutionieren und die Zukunft der bemannten Raumfahrtmissionen gestalten.
NASA and Partners Revolutionize Space Exploration with 3D-Printed Aluminum Rocket Engines.
NASA has achieved a groundbreaking advancement in space technology with its innovative RAMFIRE project. In collaboration with the company Elementum 3D, a 3D-printed aluminum rocket engine was developed and successfully tested. This breakthrough promises to revolutionize the aerospace industry by enabling lighter, heat-resistant, and more efficient aerospace components.
Traditional rocket engines consist of numerous individual parts that must be painstakingly manufactured and welded together. In contrast, the RAMFIRE rocket engine was fabricated as a single piece, significantly reducing manufacturing time. This advancement was made possible by the development of a new aluminum material, known as A6061-RAM2, specifically tailored for 3D printing in rocket engines.
Another key feature of the RAMFIRE rocket engine is its internal cooling channels, which protect the structure from melting. This innovative design, combined with the 3D printing process, allowed the engine to operate successfully at extreme temperatures and pressures.
The RAMFIRE project has also developed other advanced components for aerospace, including a 36-inch aerospike engine and a vacuum-jacketed container for cryogenic fluids. These advancements could revolutionize not only space exploration but also the manufacturing of satellite components and other applications.
The successful tests of the RAMFIRE rocket engine have demonstrated its ability to function in the most demanding space environments. This development could be crucial in enabling cargo transportation for future manned space exploration missions to the Moon and Mars.
The collaboration between NASA and industry partners in developing this innovative aluminum material and 3D printing process signifies a significant step toward modern space technology. These advancements could pave the way for new propulsion systems, in-space manufacturing, and the infrastructure required for NASA's ambitious missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
