The world’s first 3D-printed rocket was successfully launched on Wednesday night and met some mission objectives before failing to reach orbit.
Relativity Space’s 3D-printed Terran 1 rocket took off from the US Space Force’s facility in Cape Canaveral, Florida and flew for about three minutes before an anomaly prevented it from reaching orbit.
Few details about the anomaly have been provided. Relativity stated it would assess the flight data from the launch and provide public updates in the coming days.
Despite the rocket failing to reach orbit, the “Good Luck, Have Fun” mission was significant for the California-based aerospace startup as it demonstrated the viability of its manufacturing approach.
The company said in a tweet that the launch was “a huge win, with many historic firsts.”
“This is the biggest proof point for our novel additive manufacturing approach,” Relativity said.
Today’s launch proved Relativity’s 3D-printed rocket technologies that will enable our next vehicle, Terran R. We successfully made it through Max-Q, the highest stress state on our printed structures. This is the biggest proof point for our novel additive manufacturing approach.… pic.twitter.com/9iaFVwYoqe
— Relativity Space (@relativityspace) March 23, 2023
“Today’s launch proved Relativity’s 3D-printed rocket technologies that will enable our next vehicle, Terran R. We successfully made it through Max-Q, the highest stress state on our printed structures. We also progressed through Main Engine Cutoff and Stage Separation.”
While previously flown rockets have included some 3D-printed parts, roughly 85% of Relativity’s 110-foot-tall rocket’s mass, including its nine engines, were 3D-printed.
The startup’s goal is for future versions of its rocket to be 95% 3D-printed.
Contact the author at emily.jarvie@proactiveinvestors.com
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