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The
Los Angeles-based startup is targeting year's end for the debut
launch of its mostly 3D-printed flagship rocket Terran 1, Tim
Ellis told Reuters. The rocket is one of a handful of small U.S.
launch vehicles being offered by new companies to send small
satellites into orbit.
Relativity's upgraded 3D printer, the latest in a lineup named
Stargate, will primarily be used to build its bigger,
next-generation Terran R rocket, he said. However, Ellis said
the company could also explore projects in such areas as clean
energy and "materials for other applications."
"This large-format metal 3D printing ... really means that we're
just starting with rockets," Ellis said. "As this technology
matures and we're showing that we can build it and develop it
ourselves, then we will be able to take on other projects."
The company is working with a nuclear fusion company to use the
new 3D printer to print parts of a fusion reactor, Ellis said.
He declined to name the company, citing a non-disclosure
agreement.
Relativity has centered its rocket production lines on its
in-house developed 3D printers, seeing the strategy as an edge
among competitors in order to simplify the design and
manufacturing of rocket parts and engines.
The new printer is seven to 12 times faster than previous
versions and is designed to print four Terran R rockets per
year, Ellis said. Relativity has $1.2 billion worth of Terran R
launch contracts so far, he said.
Relativity's rivals, like Astra Space and Rocket Lab, have
offered side products such as satellite parts, to bring in more
revenue amid costly and time-consuming rocket development
projects.
Global interest in fusion, a nascent form of power generation,
is rising amid increased needs to cut carbon emissions. It is
also envisioned by scientists as a potentially crucial energy
source for planned habitats on the moon.
(Reporting by Joey Roulette; Editing by Sandra Maler)
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