First 3D printed rocket Relativity Space.
First 3D Printed rocket relativity space
According to Relativity CEO Tim Ellis Relativity Space, ¨the 3D-printing rocket builder, is making another big bet: Developing a fully reusable rocket, designed to match the power and capability of SpaceX’s workhorse Falcon 9 rockets. Really an obvious evolution. It’s the same architecture, the same propellant, the same factory, the same 3D printers, the same avionics and the same team. I’ve always been a huge fan of reusability. No matter how you look at it – even with 3D printing, and dropping the cost, and [increasing the] automation of a launch vehicle – making it reusable has got to be part of that future.¨
Relativity’s 3D-printed engine has completed a mission duty cycle test-firing. Relativity Space is a company that is focused on the development of 3D-printed rockets for space launch services. The company has recently made headlines for successfully testing the Terran 1 rocket, the first fully 3D-printed rocket to be developed. The Terran 1 rocket is designed to be a small, agile rocket that can be launched quickly and affordably. It has a payload capacity of up to 1,250 kg and is powered by nine 3D-printed Aeon 1 engines.
The 3D printing process used by Relativity Space is called “Stargate,” and it involves the use of large 3D printers that are capable of printing entire rocket parts in one piece. This approach enables the company to reduce the number of components needed for the rocket and simplifies the manufacturing process. The successful testing of the Terran 1 rocket is a significant milestone for Relativity Space and the space industry. The company aims to make space launch services more accessible and affordable by using 3D printing technology to streamline manufacturing and reduce costs. With the successful testing of the Terran 1 rocket, Relativity Space has demonstrated the potential of 3D printing technology in the space industry. It is poised to become a significant player in space launch services.
CNBC. (2021, February 25). Relativity’s reusable Terran rocket: Competitor to SpaceX’s Falcon 9. Relativity Space unveils a reusable, 3D-printed rocket to compete with SpaceX’s Falcon 9 3D Rocket From Relativity Space Secures Dedicated Rideshare Mission For 2022. Relativity Space to build the first rocket 3D Printing factory.
