On March 22, 2023 at 11:23 PM EDT, Relativity Space successfully launched its first nearly fully 3D-printed rocket from Launch Complex 16 at Space Force Station Cape Canaveral, Florida. The glass was half full. The launch was successful and the first stage achieved all mission objectives, but the second stage failed to launch and fell into the Atlantic Ocean.
Yesterday’s nighttime launch of a Terran 1 rocket, dubbed Good Luck, Hudfan (GLHF), was the company’s third attempt, with the previous attempt on March 11 canceled due to a series of system malfunctions.
Despite the failure of the second stage, Relativity Space said its purpose as a prototype was to demonstrate that a 3D-printed rocket could operate as an orbital launcher by performing all stages from launch to stage. Therefore, the mission is said to have been successful. Separation after two-and-a-half minutes of combustion by nine ion engines producing 23,000 pounds of thrust each.
space of relativity
Terran-1 is the first in the Relativity Space launch family, with 85% of its mass 3D printed, including an engine made from a proprietary alloy from 100 printed parts. The subsequent rocket is 95% of him 3D printed. The current mission did not carry a payload, but commercial service is capable of sending 1,250 kg (2,755 lb) into low-Earth orbit and 900 kg (2,000 lb) into sun-synchronous orbit, as advertised. The launch price is US$12. a million.
The video below summarizes the launch of GLHF.
Source: Relativity Space
