https://dot.la/relativity-space-2659512393.html
Countdown’s On: Relativity Space Gears Up for First 3D-Printed Rocket Launch
Relativity Space is gearing up for what could be the biggest week of the seven-year-old startup’s life as it prepares to send its first fully 3D-printed Terran 1 rocket into orbit. The launch will be a vital springboard towards Relativity truly competing with SpaceX for lucrative contracts to send more satellites, cargo, and even crew into space.
The Long Beach-based SpaceX rival secured its Federal Aviation Administration license to fly the Terran 1 in late February for the aptly-named “Good Luck, Have Fun” (GLHF) mission.
GLHF is slated to take off from Relativity’s launch complex in Cape Canaveral, Florida, this Wednesday and thelaunch window will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST on March 8 – check out the live stream here:
.
The launch comes at a time, when the ability to churn out rockets that are reusable remains all the rage in the space economy. But being able to 3D-print those rockets and add another layer of speed and recyclability to the process is Relativity’s true advantage. As such, the company’s latest mission will be a vital test of how well this manufacturing process works.
If validated, the launch could further signal to the entire space community that industrial 3D-printing is a viable way to make rockets fast….