Relativity Space Shifts to Even Bigger 3D-Printed Rockets to Meet Growing Demand, Competition

John Lopez, Tech Times 04 June 2023, 02:06 pm

Back in April, Relativity Space Inc. announced its decision to abandon future flights of its Terran 1 rocket just weeks after its first test flight.

The company plans to shift its operations towards developing a larger rocket, the Terran R, to meet the demands of a growing market and better compete with industry leader SpaceX.

Bigger Cargo Loads

Relativity Space, known for its innovative use of 3D printing in rocket manufacturing, conducted the sole flight of the Terran 1 on March 22.

While the launch successfully reached space, it failed to reach orbit due to the second stage not igniting.

Bloomberg reported at the time that this setback had prompted the company to focus on the larger Terran R rocket, which is expected to be ready for flight by 2026.

CEO Tim Ellis stated that the decision to shift focus was the "obvious choice" for the company, given the increasing demand for larger cargo loads.

Ellis emphasized that there is a lack of good solutions in the market, and the pivot to the Terran R will allow Relativity Space to address this need effectively.

Small Satellite Launch Market

The small satellite launch market has undergone significant changes in recent years. With the rise of massive satellite mega-constellations like SpaceX's Starlink, the demand has shifted towards medium- to heavy-lift launchers.

This shift has created a bottleneck in the supply of larger transport rockets, leaving many customers struggling to find launch opportunities.

Relativity Space aims to fill this gap with the Terran R, which has a payload capacity ranging from 23,500 to 33,500 kilograms (51,809 to 73,855 pounds) to low Earth orbit.

This payload capacity is comparable to SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, making Relativity Space a strong contender in the market.

3D Printing Space Rockets

The company's focus on 3D printing has been a key factor in its success. The Terran 1 rocket was almost entirely 3D-printed, with only a few non-printed components such as electronics, batteries, rubber gaskets, and seals.

This approach allowed Relativity Space to iterate on designs and reduce costs and labor quickly.

While Terran R will rely less on 3D printing to meet customer demands, it will still be a vital part of manufacturing. The company plans for the Terran R's first stage to be reusable, further enhancing its competitiveness in the market.

Relativity Space has already made significant progress in securing contracts for the Terran R. The company has signed contracts worth up to $1.65 billion, representing seven customers and more than two dozen missions.

Additionally, it is working with NASA to potentially move a contracted launch to the new rocket through the agency's Venture Class Launch Services program.

Despite the shift in focus, Relativity Space remains committed to its long-term vision of establishing a base on Mars.

Speaking with CNET, CEO Tim Ellis believes that 3D printing will play a critical role in achieving this goal. With its innovative approach and growing market presence, Relativity Space is poised to make a significant impact in the space industry in the coming years.

To witness the capabilities of Relativity Space's 3D printers, watch this video: