First 3D-printed rocket fails to reach orbit
WE HAVE LIFTOFF—THAT’S ALL Screengrab provided by Relativity Space on March 22, 2023, shows Terran 1 taking off at Cape Canaveral, Florida, on its third launch attempt. — AFP
WASHINGTON — The world’s first 3D-printed rocket launched successfully on Wednesday, March 22, marking a step forward for the California company behind the innovative spacecraft, though it failed to reach orbit.
Billed as less costly to produce and fly, the unmanned Terran 1 rocket launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, at 11:25 pm (0325 GMT Thursday) but suffered an “anomaly” during second-stage separation as it streamed toward low-Earth orbit, according to a livestream broadcast by aerospace startup Relativity Space.
The company did not immediately give further details.
While it failed to reach orbit, Wednesday’s launch proved that the rocket—whose mass is 85-percent 3D-printed—could withstand the rigors of liftoff.
3rd attempt
The successful launch came on the third attempt. It had originally been scheduled to launch on March 8 but was postponed at the last minute because of propellant temperature issues.
Article continues after this advertisementA second attempt on March 11 was scrubbed due to fuel pressure problems.
Article continues after this advertisementHad Terran 1 reached low-Earth orbit, it would have been the first privately funded vehicle using methane fuel to do so on its first try, according to Relativity.
READ: World’s first 3D-printed rocket set for debut flight
Terran 1 was not carrying a payload for its first flight, but the rocket will eventually be capable of putting up to 1,250 kilograms (2,755 pounds) into low-Earth orbit.
The rocket is 33.5 meters (110 feet) tall with a diameter of 2.2 meters (7.5 feet).
Eighty-five percent of its mass is 3D-printed with metal alloys, including the nine Aeon 1 engines used in its first stage and the one Aeon Vacuum engine employed in the second.
Built in 60 days
It is the largest-ever 3D-printed object and was made using the world’s-largest 3D metal printers, according to the Long Beach-based company.
Relativity’s goal is to produce a rocket that is 95-percent 3D-printed.
Terran 1 is powered by engines using liquid oxygen and liquid natural gas—the “propellants of the future,” capable of eventually fueling a voyage to Mars, Relativity says.
SpaceX’s Starship and Vulcan rockets being developed by United Launch Alliance use the same fuel.
Relativity is also building a larger rocket, the Terran R, capable of putting a payload of 20,000 kg (44,000 pounds) into low-Earth orbit.
The first launch of a Terran R, which is designed to be fully reusable, is scheduled for next year.
A satellite operator can wait for years for a spot on an Arianespace or SpaceX rocket, and Relativity Space hopes to accelerate the timeline with its 3D-printed rockets.
Relativity said its 3D-printed versions use 100 times fewer parts than traditional rockets and can be built from raw materials in just 60 days.
Relativity has signed commercial launch contracts worth $1.65 billion, mostly for the Terran R, according to CEO Tim Ellis, who cofounded the company in 2015.
RELATED STORIES
3D printing reaches new heights with two-story home
Filipino firm: 3D printing, an untapped potential for businesses
