On the morning of March 23 (Vietnam time), the world’s first 3D printed rocket was successfully launched, although it did not reach the planned trajectory.
According to CNBC, the 3D printed rocket named Terran 1 was launched at 11:25 p.m. on March 22, US Eastern Time (10:25 a.m. on March 23, Vietnamese time), from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station , in Florida.
This rocket was developed by the private aerospace startup Relativity Space based in California (USA).
Relativity Space’s Terran 1 rocket at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station launch complex
Relativity Space’s Terran 1 rocket on the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station launch complex – (Photo: Relativity Space).
“Significant progress”
Relativity Space said the rocket flew for about 3 minutes. It achieved an important goal of surpassing the point of maximum atmospheric pressure upon orbiting, known as Max Q.
However, the rocket’s engine exploded and stopped working immediately after the second stage of the rocket separated from the first stage.
Rocket launch director Clay Walker confirmed there was one “unusual incident” on the second floor, and they will release “updates in the coming days” after analyzing the flight data.
Although it did not reach the proposed orbit, the successful launch of the Terran 1 rocket proved that the 3D printed rocket could withstand the rigors of launch and flight in space. At the same time, this represents a significant step forward for the company.
Previously, Relativity Space had twice postponed the launch of the rocket (scheduled for March 8 and 11) due to technical problems.
The world’s first 3D printed rocket
Blue flames from the Terran 1 missile
Blue light from the Terran 1 rocket, generated by a mixture of liquid oxygen and liquefied natural gas, during its launch into orbit – (Photo: Relativity Space).
The Terran 1 missile is 33.5 m high and 2.2 m in diameter. About 85% of the components of this rocket are created by 3D printing using alloy materials.
Rockets work thanks to Aeon engine, using liquid oxygen and liquefied natural gas – should be “rocket boosters of the future” – capable of providing fuel for rockets to reach Mars.
According to Relativity Space, Terran 1 is the largest 3D printed object ever created and was produced using the world’s largest metal 3D printer. It has 100 times fewer parts than traditional rockets. The cost and construction time of the rocket is also shorter, only about 60 days.
The rocket is designed to be able to place a mass of 1,250 kg into low Earth orbit. Its improved version should be twice as high (66 m) and carry 20 tonnes.
The cost of each rocket launch is approximately $12 million, according to information provided by the company.
For comparison, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket can carry 22 tons and costs around $67 million.
Article source: Tuoi Tre
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On the morning of March 23 (Vietnam time), the world’s first 3D printed rocket was successfully launched, although it did not reach orbit as planned. According to CNBC, 3D printed rockets…
