SCIENCE

A 3D-printed rocket did not reach orbit

By Sanjana Shankar

1

Maiden flight

The world's first 3D-printed rocket, Terran 1, successfully launched but failed to reach orbit due to an issue with the upper stage.

2

3D-printed rocket 

Terran 1 is the largest ever 3D-printed object and was created using the world's largest 3D metal printers, as per Relativity Space. 85% of the rocket is 3D-printed.

3

"Methalox" rocket

Had it been successful, Terran 1, which is fueled by liquid methane and liquid oxygen, would have been the first such "methalox" rocket to reach orbit.

4

Issue

The rocket survived Max-Q and achieved stage separation but faced an anomaly with the upper stage, which prevented it from reaching orbit.

5

Analysis

The company said that the teams will analyze data gathered from the launch to determine what happened and will provide updates in the coming days.

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