the Group is to work with the European Space alliance ( ESA ) on a partly 3D - fueled rocket . The low - cost Prometheus engine will run on liquid oxygen and methane , and is intended for production from 2030 . It is predicted to cost about € 1 m ( $ 1.2 billion ) , a tenth of the cost of vehicles such as the Vulcain 2 . While Ariane has not disclosed its full range of design and production methods , it will re - print some components , including the gas generator .
Ariane Group is to work with the European Space Agency (ESA) on a partly 3D-printed rocket. The low-cost Prometheus engine will run on liquid oxygen and methane, and is intended for launches from 2030. It is predicted to cost about €1m ($1.2m), a tenth of the cost of vehicles such as the Vulcain 2. While Ariane has not disclosed its full range of design and production methods, it will 3D-print some components, including the gas generator.