# 3D-Printed Rocket Engines Skyrora Tested Its 3D-Printed Rocket Engine Powered by Plastic Waste By Daniel Johnson | Published 2020-02-03 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-rocket-engines References: [techcrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2020/02/03/launch-startup-skyrora-successfully-tests-3d-printed-rocket-engines-powered-by-plastic-waste/) & [skyrora](https://www.skyrora.com/post/skyrora-unveils-ground-breaking-rocket-technology-and-moves-onto-testing-phase) Skyrora, a rocket startup company operating in Edinburg, recently had success testing 3D-printed rocket engines. The 3D-printed rocket engines are powered by plastic waste materials, using a type of fuel named 'Ecosense.' The company is able to transition 2,200 lbs of plastic waste into 1,300 lbs of fuel. This means that Skyrora launches are one of the most eco-friendly in the industry. Additionally, the fuel is able to be stored for long periods of time without needing cryogenic freezing, which makes it ideal for the Scottish climate. The test was successful, however, the company is working toward the launch of one of its 'Skyrora XL' rockets in 2022. The Skyrora XL is a 72-foot rocket that will be able to deliver cargo to anywhere up to 310 miles above the earth. Image Credit: Skyrora ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.7/10 - Popularity: 29% | Activity: 42% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Eco-friendly Rocket Fuel:** Opportunity for companies to create eco-friendly fuel for rocket launches by using recycled plastic waste materials. - **3d-printing for Rocket Parts:** Opportunity for companies to use 3D-printing technology for the production of rocket parts, reducing cost and waste compared to traditional manufacturing methods. - **Long-term Fuel Storage:** Opportunity for companies to develop fuels that can be stored for long periods of time without the need for cryogenic freezing, allowing for more efficient rocket launches and storage. ### Where This Applies - **Aerospace:** Aerospace companies can innovate by using eco-friendly materials and reducing waste in rocket component production, as Skyrora does with its 3D-printed plastic waste rocket engines. - **Plastics Recycling:** As Skyrora demonstrates, there is a potential for companies to repurpose plastic waste into eco-friendly rocket fuel, providing new opportunities in the recycling industry. - **3d-printing:** The aerospace industry can make use of 3D-printing technology for rocket component production, offering faster and cheaper methods of manufacturing compared to traditional techniques. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [3D-Printed Orbital Rockets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/phoenix-engine.md) - [3D-Printed Space-Exploration Rockets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/x-bow-launch-systems.md) - [Revolutionary Reusable Rockets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reusable-rockets.md) - [Ultra-Accurate Resin 3D Printers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rocket-1-resin-3d-printer.md) - [Fully Recyclable 3D-Printed Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biohome3d.md) - [3D-Printable Packaging Pastes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reishi-mushroom-printable-material.md) - [Recycled Printing Powders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atmix.md) - [3D-BioPrinted Space Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/redwire-1.md) - [3D-Printing Drone Companies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neco-hp.md)