Relativity Space

Relativity Space, is a private American aerospace manufacturer company headquartered in Los Angeles, California. It was founded in 2015 by Tim Ellis and Jordan Noone. [1]

History

Relativity Space was founded on the idea that Blue Origin and SpaceX weren't doing enough to use 3D printing as part of rocket manufacturing. Relativity plans to 3D print an entire launch vehicle. The extensive use of 3D printing has allowed the company to iterate designs quickly, use less tooling and human labor. In order to 3D print large objects Relativity has created a system named Stargate which it claims is the worlds largest 3d printer of metals.[2] In March of 2018 Relativity Space secured a 20 year partnership with NASA Stennis Space Center. This partnership will allow Relativity to continue to test engine components and eventually full scale Aeon 1 rocket engine tests. [1]

Aeon 1 rocket engine

The Aeon 1 rocket engine is designed to create 15,500 pounds of thrust (68975 newtons of force) at sea level and 19,500 pounds of thrust (86775 newtons) in a vacuum. The engine is powered by liquid methane and liquid oxygen (LOX).

It is made out of a nickel alloy. It has 100 parts and is printed in 3 components.[3]

Terran 1 launch vehicle

The Terran 1 launch vehicle will consist of two stages. The first stage will contain 9 Aeon 1 engines. The second stage will contain a single Aeon 1 engine. The maximum payload will be 1,250 Kg to 185 KM Low Earth Orbit. The rocket will not use Helium for pressure but will use autogenous pressurization[4]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Eric Berger (March 21, 2018). "Relativity Space reveals its ambitions with big NASA deal". Ars Technica. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  2. ↑ Jeff Foust (December 5, 2017). "Relativity Space aims to 3D print entire launch vehicles". Space News. Retrieved March 25, 2018.
  3. ↑ "TMRO:Space - Relativity: How to print a rocket on Earth and Mars - Orbit 11.19". Retrieved August 20, 2018.
  4. ↑ "Terran". Relativity Space. Retrieved March 25, 2018.


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