Florida-based space company Rocket Crafters Inc (RCI) has been granted a $542,600 research contract by DARPA to develop its 3D printed rocket fuel engine. Using this proprietary technology, known as Direct-Digital Advanced Rocket Technology (D-DART), Rocket Crafters will build a 5,000 lbf peak thrust, throttle-capable rocket engine for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). By combining 3D printed solid rocket fuel grains and liquid propellants, Rocket Crafters’ hybrid engine aims to bring together the benefits of both approaches to rocket engines.