Rocket Lab Electron by AstroNot

Last crawled date: 3 years, 3 months ago

Rocket Lab's Electron!
This rocket has taken the SmallSat launch market by storm because of its ability to cater to specific payloads. Electron can get your smallsat into your preferred orbit faster than competitors offering rideshare missions, which limit your orbit options.
Rocket Lab is also pursuing reusability! On flight 17, "Return to Sender", Rocket Lab will try to get the Electron's 1st stage all the way back to the surface, under a parachute. Personally, I can't wait to see this happen.
This model shouldn't need supports. The 2nd stage engine may, though.
This model is 1/40 scale, is 30mm in diameter and stands 42.5cm tall! (1.1", 16.75")
If you print this, post a make! I'd love to see it!
UPDATE 11/19/2020
Some of you have been having trouble printing the Rutherford Vacuum Engine, and I was afraid of that. I've updated the post to include a split version of the engine.
Print the nozzle standing up, it shouldn't need supports. Print the engine itself on its side, as it comes. Use support for it. (It's a fairly small part, so it shouldn't be that bad on filament waste.
Happy printing!