A live broadcast from Relativity Space showed Relativity Space’s 3D-printed rocket lifted off for the first time Wednesday, reaching a major milestone in demonstrating the craft’s strength in flight before the second stage failed upon reaching space.
The California-based company’s 110-foot-tall Terran 1 rocket, made up of 85 percent 3D-printed parts, lifted off from a launch pad at Cape Canaveral Space Force Base for its maiden flight around 11:25 p.m. EDT (0325 GMT). GMT on Thursday). ). in Florida.
About 80 seconds into flight, about 10 miles (16 km) above the Atlantic Ocean, the rocket reached peak aerodynamic stress as it climbed into space at 1,242 miles per hour (1,999 km/h).
Upon reaching space, the rocket’s second stage engine appeared to fire momentarily, but failed to gain thrust and eventually failed to reach orbit.
“Although we didn’t succeed today, we’ve collected enough data to show that 3D flying missiles are possible,” said Arwa Tizani Kelly, Relativity Test Program Manager, in the company’s live video broadcast.
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