3D-Printed Rocket Test Flight Falls Short, But Relativity Space Sees the Launch as a Success

Rocket test flights can be an iffy business, and the fledgling startup Relativity Space recently found that out the hard way when one of their rockets failed three minutes into its flight, crashing down into the Atlantic Ocean before it could reach orbit. The rocket had been made almost entirely from 3D-printed parts, and its first stage separated as planned, but the upper stage seemed to have ignition issues.

While this was only the third launch attempt from the site and Relativity Space came within a half-second of blasting off earlier in the month, the launch was considered a success by the company. They proudly reported that they successfully made it through the “highest stress” state on the printed structures, and that they will continue to work toward their goals of incorporating more 3D-printed parts into larger rockets which can be reusable for multiple flights. So while this rocket may have crashed and burned, the knowledge gained will help the company reach for the stars in the future.

https://twitter.com/BBCWorld/status/1638959297366478848

Source: foxnews.com