The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) plans to 3D-print parts for its next-generation rockets, a technique it says can save millions of dollars in manufacturing costs.

Dubbed selective laser melting (SLM), the technique is being used for the Space Launch System (SLS), a rocket to take humans, equipment and experiments beyond low Earth orbit to nearby asteroids and eventually to Mars.

"Basically, this machine takes metal powder and uses a high-energy laser to melt it in a designed pattern," said Ken Cooper, advanced manufacturing team lead at the Marshall Center.

NASA said it is eyeing using selective laser melting to manufacture parts on the first SLS test flight in 2017.

An article on NASA's website described SLN as "similar to 3-D printing and is the future of manufacturing."

It added the new technique offers two major benefits - savings and safety - which are major considerations for the Space Launch System Program.

Cooper said the laser will layer the melted dust to the parts from the ground up, creating intricate designs.

He added the process can produce parts with complex geometries and precise mechanical properties from a 3D computer-aided design.

Andy Hardin, the integration hardware lead for the Engines Office in SLS, added the process significantly reduces the manufacturing time to produce parts, from months to weeks or even days in some cases.

"It's a significant improvement in affordability, saving both time and money. Also, since we're not welding parts together, the parts are structurally stronger and more reliable, which creates an overall safer vehicle," he said.

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NASA to print parts for Mars-bound rockets