Terran 1, the world’s original 3D printed rocket
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Relativity Space, an aerospace startup, has announced Wednesday that it will be focusing on a bigger rocket in order to compete with SpaceX for commercial launches.
Long Beach-based company Terran 1 was launched by the Cape Canaveral, Florida-based company on March 22nd.
Although the rocket failed to reach orbit, it was able to fly a test flight that proved the rocket’s mass of 85 percent 3D-printed could withstand the rigorous demands of space flight and liftoff.
Relativity Space stated that it would shift its focus from Terran 1 towards Terran R, a larger, 3D printed rocket with a larger capacity. Commercial launches from Florida are planned for 2026.
The company stated in a statement that “Relativity is increasing the company’s focus upon Terran R to satisfy significant and growing market demand.”
“Terran R” is also a significant leap towards Relativity’s mission to build humanity’s multi-planet future. Customers will eventually be able to use a point to point space freighter that can carry out missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX is the dominant player in commercial satellite launch markets. His Falcon 9 rocket is his workhorse, capable of carrying a payload of 22800 kilograms (50.265 pounds) into low-Earth orbit.
Relativity Space announced that Terran R, a Terran measuring 270 feet (82 meters) high, could carry a payload weighing 23,500 kilograms to low Earth orbit.
Satellite operators can wait years to get a spot on an Arianespace or SpaceX rocket. Relativity Space hopes to speed up the process with its 3D-printed rockets. These rockets are said to be less expensive to make and fly.
Tim Ellis, CEO of Relativity Space, said that Terran 1 was a concept car. It redefined the boundaries of what was possible by creating many valuable new technologies well ahead their time. “Terran R” is the mass-market product that has a huge demand.
Tim Ellis, cofounder and CEO of Relativity Space
Jason Connolly
Terran 1 was created using the largest 3D-printed metal printers in the world. It was powered by engines that used liquid oxygen and liquid gas. Relativity refers to these propellants as the propellants for the future, capable of fueling a Mars voyage.
United Launch Alliance’s Starship rocket and Vulcan rockets of SpaceX use the same fuel.
Ellis, co-founder of Relativity, said that Relativity signed commercial launch contracts for Terran R worth $1.65 Billion.
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