| > is in fact quite far ahead of them This is like saying that AWS doesn't matter because people have been hosting servers for decades. It's technically correct but misses the entire point. SpaceX and RocketLab do print parts, but they still need assembly lines with hard to source machines and skilled labor. RocketLab is working on reusability not because of cost savings but because they are assembly line constrained. https://www.rocketlabusa.com/news/updates/rocket-lab-announc... > we’re now establishing the reusability program to further increase launch frequency,” says Mr. Beck. That's a jaw-dropping statement, it's easier and faster to develop reusability as a way to get more cores than to build a new assembly line. Relativity is printing out entire rockets, only stacking required. New assembly line is entirely contained in a new printer, constrained on upper stages? Just retask a printer no multi-year long lead time to build up a new set of traditional tools. Don't need any more rockets right now? Print planes instead. The list of advantages goes on. I'll suggest this interview with Relativity space.
https://www.wemartians.com/episode062/ You may also be interested in this one about another company looking to print solar panel arrays on orbit.
https://mainenginecutoff.com/podcast/131 |
The constraint may be in autoclaves as carbon fibre is a more intensive product to make than just 3d printing or bending metal.