Relativity Space is taking another run at their maiden flight.
The first launch attempt was being pushed back multiple times because of propellant conditioning in the second stage. Eventually they ran out of time and had to scrub for the day.
The second attempt was put on hold multiple times.
- hold was due to high upper level wind
- hold was due to a boat entering the keep-out zone
- Engines fired up on the third attempt but were cut off at T-0.5 seconds because the stage separation automation triggered an abort.
- attempt was aborted due to fuel pressure in the second stage because pressure was 0.069 bar lower than expected.
These problems at least sound very minor and might be a result of running all processes in real launch conditions for the first time.
NASASpaceflight: NSF Live: 3D Printing Rockets with Relativity CEO Tim Ellis – 07.08.2022
Relativity Space is trying to launch their Terran 1 rocket for the first time.
What’s important?
- 3D printed engines
- 3D printed stages
- first methane fueled rocket to orbit – liquid natural gas, to be exact
- gas generator cycle engine
- autogenous pressurization – fuel and oxidizer will be pressurized by exhaust gases instead of helium.
- non-TEA-TEB engine ignition
If they orbit their rocket before Starship, they will be stealing many firsts from Elon.
Their goal is to not only 3D print the rocket engine, but the rocket stages as well. An automated metal printing process is supposed to generate a relatively cheap rocket within 60 days.
By using additive manufacturing, the company can reduce man hours and massively simplify the supply chain. For this rocket, the printed mass is 85%. Their goal is to achieve 95 mass percent.
- Launch location: Launch Complex 16, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida
- Payload: dummy payload is a 3D printed metal ring weighing approximately 1,5 kg
Where to watch:
Official Live Stream: Terran 1: Launching The World’s First 3D Printed Rocket
Tim Dodd: Everyday Astronaut
Check your local time of launch at: www.timeanddate.com
Marcus House: The First 3D Printed Rocket Launch to Orbit is Coming Soon - Relativity Space with Tim Ellis – 29.03.2022
Useful links to stay up to date on launches:
Spaceflightnow.com: Launch Schedule
Nextspaceflight: Launches
Everyday Astronaut: Prelaunch Previews
Space News:
NASA Spaceflight nasaspacefight.com
TMRO: YouTube
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