The New Zealand based commercial space company Rocket Lab has unveiled their new rocket engine which the media is describing as battery-powered. It still uses fuel, of course, but has an entirely new propulsion cycle which uses electric motors to drive its turbopumps.
To add to the interest over the design, it uses 3D printing for all its primary components. First launch is expected this year, with commercial operations commencing in 2016.
(Score: 2) by takyon on Thursday April 16 2015, @05:36PM
I made the same mistake when I read the headline. "Electric rocket" is shocking terminology.
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