The launch of the first printed rocket on methane: see how it was

Californian aerospace startup Relativity Space has developed an innovative spacecraft,

almost completely printedon a 3D printer. The first launch took place on Wednesday, March 23. The unmanned Terran 1 rocket, billed as less expensive to manufacture and fly than its counterparts, took off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, at 23:25 local time (06:25 Moscow time on Thursday). During the separation of the second stage, when the ship was heading towards low Earth orbit, it encountered an “anomaly”. Company representatives did not immediately provide further details, Agence France-Presse reports.

Although the rocket failed to enter orbit, the launch proved that the 85% 3D printed rocket can withstand the rigors of launch.

Photographers Michael Baylor, JohnJohn Kraus, Trevor Mahlmann, and Relativity CEO Tim Ellis showed off what the iconic social media launch looked like. The startup account also shared some impressive footage. The characteristic color of the flame is due to the fact that the rocket uses methane as fuel.

The successful launch occurred on the third attempt.The launch was originally scheduled for March 8, but was delayed at the last minute due to problems with fuel temperature. The second launch on March 11 was canceled due to problems with fuel pressure. According to Relativity, if Terran 1 reached low Earth orbit, it would become the first private methane-fuelled vehicle to achieve its goal on its first try.

Terran 1 did not carry a payload during its first flight, but ultimately the rocket will be able to launch up to 1,250 kg of cargo into low-Earth orbit.

The height of the rocket is 33.5 m, and the diameter is2.2 m. Most of the rocket is 3D printed from metal alloys, including nine Aeon 1 engines used in the first stage and one Aeon Vacuum engine in the second.

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Text and cover photos: Relativity Space/Michael Baylor