On the evening of the first Wednesday of March, the 7th, Relativity Space carried out the launch of the Terran 1the world’s first 3D printed rocket. After several delays, the rocket finally made its debut, but failed to reach Earth’s orbit.
Even though the rocket didn’t reach its target, the startup is optimistic. Since it’s rare for a company’s first launch to be completely successful, the parameters of success are quite flexible.
In the case of Terran 1, which achieved good performance in the first part of the flight and its two separation stages, these are good parameters for a first attempt, despite not having managed to reach Earth’s orbit.
Despite this, the launch itself is already a historic feat, given that this is the first 3D printed rocket model to attempt this feat. Watch the full launch video below:
Relativity’s Program Test Manager Arwa Tizani Kelly commented on the feat during the rocket launch:
“No one has ever attempted to launch a 3D-printed rocket into orbit, and while we haven’t made it all the way today, we have gathered enough data to show that launching 3D-printed rockets is feasible. (…) We have just completed an important step in proving to the world that 3D-printed rockets are structurally feasible.”
Meet Terran 1, the first 3D printed rocket
But how is it 3D printed? It is worth mentioning that 85% of the entire Terran 1 structure is 3D printed. In addition, it is one of the smallest orbital models in the entire space industry and was designed to be reusable.
The goal of the first 3D-printed rocket was to carry up to 1,250kg into low-Earth orbit. Relativity is charging $12 million per flight.
When fully operational, Terran 1 should be able to place satellites into orbit and carry other objects into space. On its maiden launch, it was completely empty.
Relativity Space has plans for a 3D-printed rocket capable of reaching Mars. The rocket that will carry out this mission will be the 66-meter Terran R, and its first test is scheduled for 2024.
