Relativity Space has signed a multi-year contract to launch Intelsat satellites on 3D printed Terran R rockets
Relativity Space, a California-based company specializing in 3D-printed rockets, has signed a multi-year contract to launch Intelsat satellites using its future Terran R rocket.
Relativity declined to disclose the value of the contract, but said it would add to a total order book of $1.8 billion for nine Terran R customers, which is due to be commissioned in 2026, Bloomberg reports.
A second, fast-growing, innovation-oriented private launch company, not called SpaceX, is about to enter the market.
– Relativity CEO Tim Ellis.
In recent years, demand has shifted toward medium- and heavy-lift launch vehicles as customers have focused on building massive constellations of satellites, like SpaceX’s Starlink, which transmits broadband internet to Earth. The Terran R will be able to launch into low Earth orbit from 23,500 to 33,500 kg. This roughly corresponds to the capabilities of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
In March, Relativity launched its first Terran 1 rocket, which was made primarily on a 3D printer. It successfully reached space but failed to enter orbit. In April, the company announced that it plans to abandon future flights and development of Terran 1 and will focus exclusively on the development of the larger Terran R.
