By — Marcia Dunn, Associated Press Marcia Dunn, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/california-companys-3d-printed-rocket-poised-to-make-debut-launch Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter California company’s 3D-printed rocket poised to make debut launch Science Mar 8, 2023 1:58 PM EDT CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A rocket made almost entirely of 3D-printed parts is poised to blast off Wednesday on its debut launch. California-based Relativity Space is attempting to launch the rocket to orbit from a former missile site at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. It’s a relatively small rocket, just 110 feet (33 meters), and won’t be carrying anything for this test flight except for a memento: the first successful metal 3D print from the company’s printers. READ MORE: NASA marks 20 years since space shuttle Columbia disaster About 85 percent of the rocket, named Terran, is made of 3D parts printed at the company’s factory in Long Beach, California, including its engines. Relativity Space aims to increase that percentage on its future versions. SpaceX’s Falcon rockets have been flying with 3D parts for years, but not nearly to the extent of Relativity Space’s new rocket. Relativity Space said its rocket is the largest 3D printed object to attempt a launch. Businessman Mark Cuban of TV’s “Shark Tank” was among the early investors in the company. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now By — Marcia Dunn, Associated Press Marcia Dunn, Associated Press
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A rocket made almost entirely of 3D-printed parts is poised to blast off Wednesday on its debut launch. California-based Relativity Space is attempting to launch the rocket to orbit from a former missile site at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. It’s a relatively small rocket, just 110 feet (33 meters), and won’t be carrying anything for this test flight except for a memento: the first successful metal 3D print from the company’s printers. READ MORE: NASA marks 20 years since space shuttle Columbia disaster About 85 percent of the rocket, named Terran, is made of 3D parts printed at the company’s factory in Long Beach, California, including its engines. Relativity Space aims to increase that percentage on its future versions. SpaceX’s Falcon rockets have been flying with 3D parts for years, but not nearly to the extent of Relativity Space’s new rocket. Relativity Space said its rocket is the largest 3D printed object to attempt a launch. Businessman Mark Cuban of TV’s “Shark Tank” was among the early investors in the company. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now