Science and technology

"Proven take-off resistance"

First 3D printed rocket launched that fails to reach orbit

85 percent of its mass is 3D printed with metal alloys

23/03/2023

An anomaly during the separation of the second stage stopped the race to Earth orbit of the world's first 3D printed rocket.

Built by aerospace startup Relativity Space, it is the largest object ever made with a 3D printer and, despite not having achieved its goal - notes the company - marks a step forward for the Californian company. Billed as less expensive to produce and fly, the unmanned Terran 1 rocket was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, at 23:25 p.m. local time Wednesday (4:25 a.m. Thursday in Italy).

Although it failed to reach orbit, the launch proved (on the third attempt) that the rocket, whose mass is 85% 3D printed, could withstand the rigors of liftoff. It was originally scheduled for March 8, but was postponed at the last minute due to propellant temperature issues. A second attempt, on March 11, was cancelled due to fuel pressure issues. If Terran 1 had reached low Earth orbit, Relativity said it would have been the first privately funded CNG vehicle to do so on the first attempt.

Terran 1 did not carry a payload for its first flight, but the rocket will eventually be able to carry up to 1,250 kilograms into low Earth orbit. The rocket is 33.5 meters high and has a diameter of 2.2 meters. 85 percent of its mass is 3D printed with metal alloys, including the nine Aeon 1 engines used in its first stage and the only Aeon Vacuum engine used in the second. It was made using the largest metal 3D printers in the world in just 60 days.