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The world's first 3D-printed rocket, Terran 1, successfully launched on its third attempt on Wednesday, but failed to reach orbit during second-stage separation, AFP reported. While the rocket failed to reach orbit, Relativity Space, the aerospace company behind the launch, said the launch was a great victory as the rocket was able to successfully withstand the maximum pressure conditions defined for the structures. "Today's launch demonstrated that Relativity's 3D-printed rocket technologies will enable our next vehicle, the Terran R. We successfully passed Max-Q, the highest state of stress in our printed structures. This is the largest test point of our new approach to additive manufacturing,” Relativity Space wrote in a post on Twitter.
Calling the launch many historic firsts, the space company said the rocket also moved forward thanks to the main engine shutdown and stage separation.
“We will evaluate the flight data and provide public updates in the coming days,” the aerospace company added.
Relativity Space claimed that 85% of Terran 1 is 3D printed. With the exception of moving parts such as rubber seals, computers, and electrical circuitry, all other parts, including the nose cone, rocket body, internal propellant tanks, and most of your Aeon engines, They are 3D printed.
The goal of the launch, according to Relativity CEO Tim Ellis, a former Blue Origin LLC engineer, is to demonstrate that the 3D-printed vehicle can support Max Q. This condition occurs during the first few minutes of flight when the rocket is exposed. to the greatest forces and stresses.
