<
https://arstechnica.com/science/2022/10/on-eve-of-first-launch-relativity-space-seeks-to-join-spacex-as-disruptor/>
"Relativity Space is preparing to roll its Terran 1 rocket out to the launch
pad in Florida in the next few weeks, setting the stage for its debut flight.
While the rocket is modest in scope, with a capacity to loft about 1 metric ton
into low-Earth orbit, the company plans to use this vehicle as a demonstrator
for a much larger booster, the Terran R rocket. This ambitious rocket is
intended to be a fully reusable vehicle with a payload capacity slightly larger
than SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket.
"Almost from the beginning of the company I wanted to build a Falcon 9
competitor, because I really think that’s needed in the market," said Tim
Ellis, co-founder and chief executive of Relativity Space, in an interview with
Ars.
The impending test flight of Terran 1 may have a lighthearted name—
Good Luck,
Have Fun—but it has a serious purpose. Relativity needs to show customers that
its novel approach to 3D-printed rockets is viable. While ground testing has
validated this approach, Ellis knows that the acid test will come with launch,
particularly when the vehicle passes through the time period of maximum dynamic
pressure, max q.
If the mission successfully demonstrates this, Ellis expects even more
customers to sign on for Terran R, which he hopes to begin flying in late 2024.
The vehicle is intended to be priced competitively with the Falcon 9 and meet
the enormous demand for launch services in the medium-lift market, especially
after Russia's war against Ukraine removed the Soyuz vehicle as an option for
Western companies.
But first things first."
Via
Future Crunch issue 189:
https://futurecrunch.com/
Share and enjoy,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
