The first 3D printed rocket takes off successfully but fails to reach orbit

Though it failed to reach orbit, Wednesday’s launch proved the rocket could withstand the rigors of liftoff.

The world’s first rocket made almost entirely of 3D printed parts failed to reach orbit due to a “glitch” three minutes after its successful launch on Wednesday. Relativity spaceexcept for the company’s first metal 3D print six years ago.

the rocket Terrestrial 1 took off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, and broke up as expected. But it suffered an “anomaly” during the second separation phase as it headed into low Earth orbit, the upper stage appearing to burn up and then shut down, causing it to collide with the Atlantic.

Though it failed to reach orbit, Wednesday’s launch proved the rocket could withstand the rigors of liftoff. “First jumps are always exciting and today’s flight was no exception,” he said Arwa Tizani Kellylaunch commentator for Relativity Space following Wednesday’s launch.

It was the third launch attempt from what was once a rocket launch site. Terran 1 arrived within half a second of detonating earlier this month, with the rocket’s engines igniting before abruptly shutting down due to propellant temperatures. A second attempt, also in March, was canceled due to another problem with fuel pressure.

Most of the 33-meter rocket, about 85% of its mass, including engines, came off the company’s huge 3D printers in long beach, California. It is the largest 3D printed object ever made using the world’s largest metal 3D printers, according to the company.

Terran 1 did not carry a payload during its maiden flight, but will eventually be able to descend to 1,250 kg in low Earth orbit.

Production in just 60 days

The pourpose of Relativity space is the production of a 95% 3D printed rocket. Terran 1 has engines using liquid oxygen and liquid natural gas, “the thrusters of the future”, capable of eventually powering a trip to Mars.

The spaceship of SpaceX and rockets United Launch Alliance Vulcan use the same fuel

A Relativity it is also building a larger rocket, the Terran R, capable of carrying a 20,000-kilogram payload into low Earth orbit. The first launch of a Terran R, designed to be fully reusable, is scheduled for 2024.

A satellite operator can wait years before getting a seat on the big rockets of the arianespace or SpaceX. Relaty hopes to hit the market soon with its 3D printed rockets.

The company explains that its 3D printed rockets use 100 times fewer parts than traditional rockets and can be manufactured from raw materials in just 60 days.

Founded in 2015 by a couple of young aerospace engineers, Relativity Space has attracted the attention of investors and venture capitalists. The company has already signed commercial launch contracts worth about $1.65 million, mostly for the Terran R, according to the CEO. Tim Ellisone of the co-founders./AFP and AP

Source: Terra

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