The launch of the Terran 1 rocket was delayed due to the automatic cancellation of the launch procedure. The launch attempt was posted on the Relativity Space YouTube channel.
Terran 1 is the world’s first 3D-printed space rocket. Elements created using this technology make up 85% by weight of the structure, in the future the company plans to increase this share to 95%. The height of the rocket is 33 meters, the maximum payload is 1250 kilograms, the engines use a methane-oxygen couple. During this mission, a commemorative metal ring printed on a 3D printer was supposed to act as a payload.
Countdown stopped at -23:37 during test start attempt. According to the company, the cancellation was carried out automatically due to the failure to meet the necessary requirements for fuel temperature. Engineers promise to carry out the next launch attempt as soon as possible.
Many engineers are wary of 3D printing because the resulting products are often less durable and reliable. If the rocket successfully reaches orbit and does not collapse at the moment of maximum aerodynamic drag (when the structure is under maximum stress), this will prove the viability of the “pressed” rocket idea. Such missiles will have to be significantly cheaper than conventional missiles due to the radical reduction in labor costs in production.