One more is added to many successful 3D printing projects in aviation. Making his first additive manufacturing project, Blue Origin stars to a new term in its history with 3D printed motor system developed for the new rocket.
Founded by Jeff Bezos who is also the founder of Amazon, the aviation company Blue Origin joined among the firms using 3D printing. The firm’s new rocket New Glenn’s motor is said to bu produced with additive manufacturing. Called BE-4, this motor provides advantages in many respects.
Blue Origin’s BE-4 engine has been designed to power its New Glenn orbital rocket the firststage will use a total of seven BE-4 engines, while the second stage only requires one. The BE-4 can also launch United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) Vulcan semi-reusable rocket. Based on the results of a crucial upcoming BE-4 engine test, ULA will decide whether it’s going to stick with the BE-4, or go with Aerojet Rocketdyne’s AR-1. Blue Origin is also continuing the suborbital test flight program for its New Shepard reusable spaceship, which is powered by the hydrogen-fueled BE-3 engine.
The first iteration was recently retired, and the company is getting the New Shepard 2.0 ready for its first trip to outer space at its West Texas launch test facility. Jeff Bezos also says that 3D printing has played a key role in the production of the engine, which is perhaps more of an eye opener. Last year, Blue Origin president Rob Meyerson explained that the company had “made a significant investment in 3D printing.”
While it awaits on the ULA decision, Blue Origin is currently continuing with its suborbital test flight program for the New Shepard, a reusable spaceship powered by the hydrogen-fueled BE-3 engine. The BE-4 is being built to end American dependence on the Russian-made RD-180 engine.