05.03.2024 • News • Additive manufacturing

To space – with 3D printing

BLT enabled Land Space’s ZQ-3 to ace first-ever major vertical takeoff and landing recovery test for their reusable rocket.

The Chinese aerospace company has achieved a flawless debut of their ZQ-3 VTVL-1 reusable vertical takeoff and landing (VTVL) recovery test rocket in January. Integral to the success of this mission was the comprehensive support provided by BLT, contributing their expertise in metal additive manufacturing technology. The collaboration ensured the acquisition of crucial experimental data, solidifying Land Space’s position for reusable liquid oxygen-methane rockets.

VTVL-1 in flight (Source: Land Space / BLT)

Intricate components within the engine were 3D-printed by BLT (Source: Land...

The successful recovery test affirmed the correctness of the wide-ranging variable-thrust liquid oxygen-methane propulsion system scheme, the compatibility of the rocket control system with engine thrust adjustment characteristics, the accuracy of the guidance and control scheme during the landing phase, and the reliable performance of the rocket's soft landing cushioning mechanism.

The collaboration traces its roots back to 2019 when Land Space foresaw the inherent advantages of metal 3D printing technology in the fabrication and production of liquid oxygen-methane rocket components. BLT proved instrumental in expediting component production, cutting production costs, hastening product iterations, and ultimately elevating the overall development efficiency for Land Space. This partnership has evolved, reflecting the deepening and broadening synergy between the two entities committed to pushing the boundaries of 3D printing in aerospace innovation.

The VTVL-1 recovery test arrow utilizes BLT’s metal 3D printing technology for intricate components within the engine, such as joint elements, igniter mounts, and the intricate free-body section, which features a complex internal cooling structure. These components posed challenges in traditional metal fabrication methods, including prolonged production cycles, difficulties in mold manufacturing, and escalated costs.

Leveraging metal 3D printing during the production of the free-body section allowed for the seamless integration of its cooling structure, ensuring superior component performance and effectively preventing erosion of the combustion chamber casing.

Land Space, founded in 2015, is the first private carrier rocket company in China to obtain all necessary qualifications and the only one to successfully reach orbit with self-developed liquid oxygen-methane rocket engines. It is dedicated to establishing a comprehensive industrial chain encompassing research and development, manufacturing, testing, and launching, with a focus on medium and large liquid oxygen-methane launch vehicles for the global market.