Space Startup’s 3D-Printed Rocket Fails to Reach Orbit
- Anomaly occurred during separation of the rocket’s stages
- Relativity says was able to collect critical data from launch
Terran 1 rocket.
Photographer: Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel/Tribune News Service/Getty Images
This article is for subscribers only.
Launch startup Relativity Space Inc.’s mostly 3D-printed Terran 1 rocket failed to reach orbit after suffering an issue mid-flight.
After successfully launching from Cape Canaveral, Florida on Wednesday night, an anomaly cropped up after the rocket’s stages separated. A livestream of the launch showed the ignition of the upper stage engine seemingly cutting out early. Still, the Relativity team ended coverage on a positive note, saying the company collected critical data proving its 3D-printed manufacturing technique works.