A historic third launch was attempted of the 85% 3D printed by-mass rocket, Terran 1 (also known as “Good Luck, Have Fun”), by US startup Relativity Space Inc. The rocket was launched at the Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 16 in Florida. It weighs 9200kg, and stands 33.5m tall and 2.28m wide.
Relativity’s prior launch attempts had been unsuccessful, due to software glitches and temperature which saw two earlier missions scrapped.
Although the launch was a success, an engine issue hampered its flight from reaching orbit – which Relativity still marks as a success, with technical program manager Tizani Kelly saying ‘and while we didn’t make it all the way today, we gathered enough data to show that flying 3D-printed rockets is possible’, validating their founding ethos that rockets can be built cheaply and efficiently using 3D printing technology.
According to the company, their Aeon engines are also 3D printed, using liquid oxygen and liquid natural gas which enable ease of rocket propulsion as well as recyclability which compliments the eventual transition to the use of methane on Mars.
Relativity aims to continue using additive manufacturing also known as 3D printing to build a 95% 3D-printed rocket in the future.