Relativity Space will launch the heavy rocket Terram R instead of the 3D printed Terran 1

(Relativity Space https://bit.ly/4193iEy)

Relativity Space has decided to completely abandon the use of the lightweight, almost completely 3D printed Terran 1 rocket, which managed to complete just one flight.

Instead, the company will develop a heavy reusable Terran R rocket, to which it will transfer all contracts.

Terran 1 was the first rocket created by the company Relativity Space.

The rocket is an ultra-light two-stage launch vehicle using a liquid oxygen-liquid methane fuel pair, which allows launching up to one and a half tons of payload into low Earth orbit.

A feature of the rocket was the widespread use of additive technologies in its creation: 90% of the dry mass is represented by Terran 1 metal elements printed on a 3D printer.

The first test flight of Terran 1 took place on March 23, 2023, the rocket withstood the maximum dynamic load in flight

However, it did not reach orbit due to problems with starting the second stage engines.

On April 12, 2023, Relativity Space presented the preliminary findings of investigations into the causes of the accident.

The main valves of the second stage Aeon 1 engine were opening slower than expected on command, and the oxygen pump was not pressurizing.

However, the rocket did technically reach space, as it has risen to an altitude of 134 kilometers, which is above the Karman line.

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CHANGE OF PLANS
However, the company then unexpectedly announced that it would stop all further work on the Terran 1.

Instead, Relativity Space would focus on creating a more powerful and reusable Terran R launch vehicle, which was first announced back in 2021.

The statement is unusual because the company has previously entered into at least 3 contracts for launch services using the Terran 1 with various companies (including one for NASA).

Relativity Space is currently committed to transitioning all of its customers to the Terran R.

Relativity Space also unveiled updated specifications for the Terran R.

The second stage of the rocket will be disposable, at least for the first few years of operation, for economic reasons.

For the same reason, not all rocket components will be 3D printed at first.

The first stage will be fully reusable, fitted with stabilizers, self-returning by means of motors, and should be able to withstand up to 20 reuses.

The Terran R is now positioned as a heavy launch vehicle that will be able to launch up to 23.5 metric tons of payload into low Earth orbit in a reusable version.

In comparison, a Falcon 9 rocket with a reusable first stage can launch 22.8 metric tons of payload into low Earth orbit.

The number of Aeon 1 engines in the first stage of the Terran R will be increased from 7 to 13.

And an upgraded version of the Aeon 1 will be installed in the second stage to operate in the vacuum of space.

The length of the rocket will be 82 meters, and the head fairing, 5 meters.

Previously it was assumed that the first flight of the Terran R could take place in 2024, but now it is scheduled for 2026.

Sources:

• Space.com: https://www.space.com/relativity-space-shelves-terran-1-rocket
• Gizmodo: https://gizmodo.com/terran-space-opts-build-next-version-3d-printed-rocket-1850328629

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#science #space #relativityspace #terran #rockets #upex #nftmc