The first 3D-printed spacecraft, Terran 1, will soon blast off to outer space.

Terran 1 is designed and built by Relativity Space, a U.S.-based aerospace startup.

A company representative explained that their spacecraft is a big deal in the space industry because Terran 1 will be the largest 3D-printed object that will attempt to complete an orbital flight.

The first 3D-Printed Spacecraft Terran 1 Will Take Off Soon!

According to WESH 2's latest report, Relativity Space will launch Terran 1 on Wednesday, Mar. 8; the launch window, which will last for three hours, will open at 1:00 p.m. ET.

Also Read: Airbus to Create the First High-Performance Satellite 'Angeo-1' to Monitor Angola's Region

New Scientist reported that the 3D-printed spacecraft will blast off from Cape Canaveral in Florida. This orbital flight attempt is called "Good Luck Have Fun."

If ever Terran 1's mission become successful, it will show that 3D-printing can be used in spacecraft manufacturing, reducing costs.

"It does show that there's innovation taking place in the development of new rockets and ways to get to space affordably, which is really the bottom line," explained UCF Professor Joshua Colwell.

Terran 1's Details

Terran 1 is a 3D-printed rocket that stands 35 meters tall, making it among the smallest orbital spacecraft models. 

Around 85% of its components are made using the 3D-printing method. 

Although its manufacturing process is unusual, Relativity Space claims that Terran 1 can still lift up to 1,250 kilograms into low-Earth orbit. But, the upcoming orbital flight will not include any payload since it is still a test flight. 

The U.S.-based space startup said that if all goes well, it will charge $12 million per flight. 

This is cheaper compared to the orbital flight services offered by SpaceX, which cost around $67 million for packages weighing up to 22,000 kilograms. 

As of writing, Relativity Space that the Terran 1's orbital flight attempt is a big deal even if it fails since the mission is all about learning if 3D-printed rockets can endure space's harsh conditions. 

But, it will still be best if the orbital flight becomes successful. Just like other aerospace companies, Relativity Space also has big ambitions, such as launching the first commercial Mars mission. 

If you want to learn more about Terran 1, all you need to do is click this link. 

In other news, a Mars rover inspired by Hansel and Gretel will soon explore the Red Planet using breadcrumbs. 

Meanwhile, new NASA DART findings showed that a kinetic impactor is an efficient planetary defense technique. 

For more news updates about spacecraft and other similar space vehicles, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.  

Related Article: AstroAccess to Help Disabled Astronauts Reach Space! Here's How You Can Help Too