First 3D-printed rocket launched into space; see how it goes

Company Relativity Space made its first launch. rocket almost completely 3D printedHE Terran-1At Launch Complex 16 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on March 22, 2023.

Although the second stage did not explode and fall into the Atlantic Ocean, the mission was considered a success by the company because as a prototype the goal was to demonstrate that a 3D-printed rocket could work as an orbital launcher.

The lower part of the rocket, which gave the first thrust at launch, ran out of fuel and then separated from the upper part of the rocket. But the engine intended to propel this part only appeared to ignite briefly, depriving it of sufficient energy to reach orbit.

The mission, called “Good Luck, Have Fun,” released what the company describes as a prototype vehicle and a piece of metal, the first object printed by Relativity’s massive 3D printer, as a commemorative token. It did not carry a customer satellite, as the company does in future rocket launches.

Terran-1 is the first of the Relativity Space launch family and is 85% 3D-printed, including engines made from a proprietary alloy made up of 100 printed parts.

While in commercial service, it will be able to send payloads of up to 1,250 kg (2,755 lb) into low Earth orbit and up to 900 kg (2,000 lb) into Sun-synchronous orbit for an advertised launch price of $12 million.