With the success of SpaceX, and the ever increasing interest in space exploration, other companies are stepping up and emerging into the private space industry. One such company is Relativity Space, who announced on February 10th, 2021 that its first launch vehicle, Terran 1, is scheduled to launch March 2021.
Relativity Space was founded in 2015 by two entrepreneurs, Tim Ellis and Jordan Noone. With experience in 3D printing and AI robotics, the company aimed to drastically reduce the time and cost of building rockets by using 3D printing technology. This revolutionary approach in space exploration has attracted a lot of investments, and the company has raised over 500 million dollars to develop their space systems.
Terran 1 is the first 3D printed rocket to be launched by Relativity Space after a four year long development. With a height of 60 feet, the rocket exceeded their accuracy expectations in terms of its technical construction. The rocket is made of a single 3D printed part, without any welding or fasteners, enabling an overall production time of as little as 60 days. It also allows for flexible launch date changes, drastically reducing the traditional launch timeframe from over a year to just several months.
Relativity Space has made headlines lately for its numerous aerospace deals. One of the company’s most notable projects is a partnership with the US Space Force – a defense agency created in 2020 to protect and defend US interests in space. Together, the two organizations developed an indigenously built US-based satellite launch vehicle. By working with the Space Force, Relativity Space has the potential to shape the modern aerospace landscape.
Terran 1’s launch date has been set for March 2021, but the exact time and location have yet to be determined. This launch will mark Relativity Space’s first commercial mission, as well as its first mission with the US Space Force.
Overall, Relativity Space has been making great strides with its 3D printing approach to space exploration. With its first commercial mission schedule for March 2021, this company has the potential to revolutionize space exploration as we know it. With its successful partnerships, we can only CAN’TWait to see what this up and coming space industry pioneer has in store!
