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World's first 3D printed rocket launches today

World's first 3D printed rocket launches today
Unbelievable, but true - even such a complex process as the creation of a spacecraft was greatly simplified. This is confirmed by the new Terran1 device from Relativity Spac, whose first flight into orbit is scheduled for today. It will take place at 21.00 Moscow time.


The world's first "printed" launch vehicle is a 30-meter spacecraft equipped with ten engines, which are also created on a 3D printer. Nine of them are installed on the first stage, and one - on the second. In general, the volume of parts and components created in such an extraordinary way reaches 85% in this model.

Сегодня стартует первая в мире ракета, напечатанная на 3D принтереThe moment of rocket printing. Photo: YouTube.com

Newly developed power plants use methane and liquid oxygen as fuel, which in itself is also a promising direction. If successfully launched, Terran1 will be, among other things, the first methane rocket in orbit. Perhaps this will also contribute to the accelerated introduction of cheap cryogenic fuel into the space industry.

The first test flight is planned without a payload, while this rocket is capable of carrying a payload with a total weight of up to 1,25 tons. It is known that the cost of one such launch is estimated at about 12 million dollars.

It is noteworthy that this is not the only such development. Relativity Space is preparing a heavier version - the Terran R launch vehicle. It will be a reusable spacecraft capable of delivering up to 20 tons of payload into orbit. At the same time, it will contain at least 3% of 95D printed spare parts. Its launch is scheduled for 2024.

The final stages of the launch vehicle assembly. Photo: YouTube.com

Given the fact that 3D printed rockets are faster and cheaper to produce, Relativity Space may have no competition. The benefit in the cost of delivering payloads into orbit is also quite obvious.

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Photos used: youtube.com

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