Relativity Space's debut orbital launch vehicle — the world's first 3D-printed rocket — retired after its inaugural flight attempt in March 2023.
Terran 1
Relativity Space's debut orbital launch vehicle — the world's first 3D-printed rocket — retired after its inaugural flight attempt in March 2023.
Description
Terran 1 was Relativity Space's first orbital launch vehicle and the world's first rocket with a 3D-printed primary structure (over 85% of parts by mass manufactured with Relativity's Stargate 3D printers). The two-stage vehicle measured 33.5 m tall, burned LOX/liquid natural gas (methane), and was designed to carry 1,250 kg to LEO or 900 kg to SSO.
Terran 1's inaugural flight, 'Good Luck, Have Fun' (GLHF), launched from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 16 on March 22, 2023. The first stage (powered by nine Aeon 1 engines) successfully ignited and burned to completion — a major validation of 3D-printed propulsion in space. However, after stage separation, the second stage's single Aeon Vac engine failed to achieve ignition, ending the mission before reaching orbit.
Following the launch attempt, Relativity Space retired Terran 1 and redirected all company resources to Terran R — a fully reusable medium-class vehicle. Terran 1's legacy is proving that 3D-printed rocket engines and structure can function in the actual launch and space environment, de-risking the manufacturing approach for Terran R.
Specifications
| Height | 33.5 m |
|---|---|
| Propellants | LOX/Liquid Methane (LNG) |
| First stage engines | 9× Aeon 1 |
| Payload to LEO | 1,250 kg (designed) |
| Manufacturing | 85%+ mass 3D-printed (Stargate printers) |
| Launch site | Cape Canaveral LC-16 |
| Status | Retired after 1 flight attempt (March 2023) |
| First stage result | Successfully flew; upper stage failed to ignite |
