3D-printed rocket launches into space later today

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
9 Mar 2023 16:07

Relativity Space, a private space technology company developed by former SpaceX and Blue Origin employees, is set to launch the first-ever 3D-printed rocket into space.

Relativity Space’s Terran 1 rocket on Launch Complex 16 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (Relativity Space).

Relativity Space, a private space technology company, is set to become the first to ever launch a 3D-printed rocket.

The rocket, Terran 1, the largest-ever 3D-printed object, is allegedly reusable and will launch at 1:00 pm (US Eastern Time) today from the spaceport at Cape Canaveral.

The launch will be live-streamed via Youtube, thus making it accessible to anyone with an internet connection.

Terran 1 was made with only 85% printed material, but in the future, the company will be made up of 95% 3D printed material.

It is a tiny cargo rocket designed to reduce the cost of small space deliveries while leveraging 3D printing and reusability.

The rocket will use a liquid oxygen propellant as its fuel, making it the first rocket to ever leave the atmosphere powered by natural gas. This rocket will be a crucial component of the company's next expeditions to Mars, which aims to be methane-powered.

The Terran R, a future project, will be far larger than the Terran 1, which currently stands at 110 feet and is capable of lifting 1,250 kilograms into space.

Significantly, Relativity Space was created by former SpaceX and Blue Origin employees.