New questions raised about the rocket startup Relativity
Link here. Apparently Relativity has had a number of problems developing its proposed large Terran-R rocket using the 3D printing technology the company has specialized in.
According to internal documents reviewed by Ars, Relativity had difficulty printing pressure domes for the Terran R rocket. One of the documents references a “large buckling event” with a printed dome. As a result, Relativity seems likely to purchase these pressure domes from a European aerospace company.
The details provided for the status of Terran-R are somewhat vague. There are claims its size has been revised, and that the company is now outsourcing construction of some parts to European vendors, but none of this is described with any specificity. All in all however it does appear the rocket’s first launch is facing a delay from its 2026 targeted launch date. Earlier reports had suggested this, and this new report reinforces that sense.
I still wonder if Relativity might find much greater and more immediate success marketing its sophisticated 3D printing technology to other industries.
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