Ajit Karn
Washington: Wednesday marked the successful launch of the world’s first 3D-printed rocket, signaling a step forward for the California company behind the innovative spacecraft, although it failed to reach orbit.
The unmanned Terran 1 rocket launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida at 11:25 p.m. (03:25 GMT Thursday) despite experiencing a “anomaly” during second-stage separation en route to low Earth orbit, according to a livestream by aerospace startup Relativity Space.
The company did not immediately provide additional information.
Even though it failed to reach orbit, Wednesday’s launch demonstrated that the 85 percent 3D-printed rocket could withstand the rigors of launch.
The launch was successful on the third attempt. The launch was originally scheduled for March 8, but was delayed at the last minute due to propellant temperature issues.
On March 11, a second attempt was canceled due to fuel pressure issues.
According to Relativity, had Terran 1 attained low Earth orbit on its first attempt, it would have been the first privately funded vehicle to do so using methane propellant.
On its maiden voyage, Terran 1 did not carry a payload, but the rocket will ultimately be able to place up to 2,755 pounds (1,250 kilograms) into low Earth orbit.
The rocket is 110 feet (33.5 meters) tall and 7.5 feet (2.3 meters) in diameter. (2.2 meters).
Eighty-five percent of its mass is 3D-printed with metal alloys, including the first stage’s nine Aeon 1 engines and the second stage’s single Aeon Vacuum engine.
According to the Long Beach-based company, it is the world’s largest 3D-printed object and was created using the world’s largest 3D metal printers.
Developed in 60 days
The objective of Relativity is to create a rocket that is 95 percent 3D-printed.
Terran 1 is propelled by engines using liquid oxygen and liquid natural gas, which, according to Relativity, are the “propellants of the future” capable of eventually propelling a trip to Mars.
United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket and SpaceX’s Starship both use the same propellant.
Relativity is also developing a larger rocket, the Terran R, which can deliver a payload of up to 20,000 kilograms (44,000 pounds) into low Earth orbit.
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The first launch of a fully reusable Terran R is slated for the following year.
A satellite operator may have to wait years for a position on an Arianespace or SpaceX rocket, but Relativity Space believes its 3D-printed rockets will speed up the process.
According to Relativity, its 3D-printed rockets require 100 times fewer components than conventional rockets and can be assembled in 60 days from basic materials.
According to CEO Tim Ellis, who co-founded the company in 2015, Relativity has signed $1.65 billion in commercial launch contracts, primarily for the Terran R.
