World's first 3D-printed rocket can be built in just 60 days

The rocket scheduled to launch from Florida Wednesday looks a lot like others, but at its base is a subtle giveaway: "Printed in the U.S.A."

An ambitious plan to send payloads into space is riding on a 3D-printed rocket.

The rocket scheduled to launch from Florida Wednesday looks a lot like others, but at its base is a subtle giveaway: "Printed in the U.S.A."

It's the largest metal object that has ever been 3D printed, those behind its creation say.

The ship was created by Relativity Space, a California company that wants to revolutionize the way the world's rockets are built. Its creators used huge 3D printers capable of making massive parts, and can print similar rockets -- including the engines – in just 60 days.

"So 85 per cent of the rocket by mass that's sitting on the pad right now is 3D-printed," said Josh Brost, senior vice-president of revenue operations at Relativity Space.

In addition to being the world's first 3D-printed rocket, it's potentially the first rocket to use liquid oxygen and liquid methane propellants, Brost said, describing these as "the propellants of the future for what will be reusable rockets."

Such a ship can come together in a fraction of the time, and at a quarter of the cost, Relativity Space says.