Chesley Bonestell, “The Exploration of Mars” (1953), oil on board, 143/8 x 28 inches, gift of William Estler, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Reproduced courtesy of Bonestell LLC.

Kiwi Rocket Made with 3-D Printer

May 25, 2017

 

5/23/17 – A US-based company with Kiwi roots is set to enter the commercial space market with the launch from New Zealand of its new type of rocket—powered by electricity, made of light-weight carbon fibers, and produced using a 3-D printer—that will specialize in carrying small satellites into orbit. This reflects the changing nature of the space industry, described recently in Issues by an analyst who also noted that participation by more countries and private companies is pressing the US government to reshape its space agencies and policies to reflect global trends.