posted 01-17-2019 03:14 PM               

Relativity Wins Direct Contract for Launch Site at Cape Canaveral from the U.S. Air Force

The autonomous rocket factory becomes the first venture-backed company to be granted an agreement for historic Launch Complex 16 from the U.S. Air Force

Relativity, the world's first autonomous rocket factory and launch services leader, today (Jan. 17) announced that it has been granted a Statement of Capability for its own rocket launch facilities at Launch Complex 16 (LC-16) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida by The 45th Space Wing of the United States Air Force. The Statement of Capability signifies the U.S. Air Force's formal acceptance of Relativity for launch operations in Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. This is the first and only direct agreement the U.S. Air Force has completed with a venture-backed orbital launch company at LC-16, and includes on-site vehicle integration and payload processing, with the opportunity to extend to an exclusive 20-year term. Relativity joins SpaceX, ULA, and Blue Origin as only the 4th company with a major operational orbital launch site at Cape Canaveral.

Above: Artist concept of Relativity Space's Terran 1 rocket launching from Launch Complex 16 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. (Relativity Space)

The LC-16 launch facility was historically used for Titan missile launches, the Apollo moon program, the Gemini program, and Pershing missile launches. Launch infrastructure is in limited supply, and LC-16 is one of the few major launch facilities still available at Cape Canaveral. LC-16 is capable of supporting Relativity's rocket, Terran 1, the first and only fully 3D printed rocket in the world, as well as the company's future expansions in payload capacity, and comes with substantial existing infrastructure and operational history. Additionally, Relativity has hired a team made up of former senior leadership personnel from top space companies, who have executed over 158 successful launches at Cape Canaveral. This combination will enable Relativity to more quickly build and operate a rocket launch facility.

"We are honored to win this significant support from the U.S. Air Force and join a select group of private space companies in conducting launches at Cape Canaveral," says Tim Ellis, CEO of Relativity. "Having the rare path toward an exclusive-use agreement at LC-16 ensures our satellite customers will have access to far more schedule certainty, and enables us to execute more frequent launches."

Above: Artist concept of Relativity Space's Terran 1 launch site at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Complex 16 (LC-16) in Florida. (Relativity Space)

"With LC-16's historic and operational legacy of rocket launches and the experienced team we've built, we look forward to working with The 45th Space Wing of the U.S. Air Force to develop a modern launch facility that supports Terran 1 launch operations," says Chris Newton, Principal Launch Engineer at Relativity.

"We were impressed with Relativity's seasoned team and its innovative approach to space technology and we look forward to working with them as they continue the process to launch the Terran 1 vehicle from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station," stated Thomas Eye, Director of Plans & Programs for the 45th Space Wing of the U.S. Air Force.

Relativity is on track to conduct its first full orbital launch by the end of 2020, and continues to grow a customer manifest of both commercial and government payloads. This agreement further solidifies the company's leadership in the industry and represents yet another public-private partnership milestone that the company has secured with the United States Government, adding to its portfolio of major infrastructure partnerships including a 20-year exclusive-use agreement at the NASA Stennis Space Center E4 test complex, and a NASA ACO test award.

Above: Artist concept of Relativity Space's Terran 1 launch site at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Complex 16 (LC-16) in Florida. (Relativity Space)

About Relativity

Relativity is the first autonomous rocket factory and launch services leader for satellite constellations. The company's vision is to build the future of humanity in space--starting with rockets. Relativity's platform vertically integrates intelligent robotics and 3D autonomous manufacturing technology to build the world's first entirely 3D printed rocket, Terran 1. Terran 1 has 100x lower part count than traditional rockets, a radically simple supply chain, and is built from raw material to flight in less than 60 days with unparalleled iteration speed. Relativity deploys and resupplies satellite constellations with industry-defining lead time, flexibility, and cost, better connecting and securing our planet.

posted 06-24-2020 10:35 AM               

Relativity Space Expands Footprint Via Launch Site at Vandenberg Air Force Base

Relativity Space, the first company to utilize 3D printing, robotics and AI to reinvent aerospace manufacturing, extended its launch capabilities via a Right of Entry Agreement with the United States Air Force, 30th Space Wing for development of rocket launch facilities at Vandenberg Air Force Base. The Right of Entry (RoE) allows Relativity and the 30th Space Wing to assess the viability of conducting launch operations at a location currently comprised of Building 330 and adjacent land area. Relativity's launch capabilities, which will now span both coasts of the United States, offer customers a complete range of orbital inclinations, including polar and Sun Synchronous orbits (SSO), adding to the LEO, MEO, GEO, and low inclination orbits possible at Cape Canaveral LC-16. These expanded capabilities, along with the company's autonomous production via metal 3D printing, help drive Relativity's continued momentum.

"We're honored to begin this partnership with the 30th Space Wing and join the exclusive group of private space companies able to conduct launches at Vandenberg," says Tim Ellis, CEO of Relativity. "The West Coast launch facilities allow Relativity to provide affordable access to polar and sun sync orbits that are critical for both government and commercial customers. The geographic southerly position of B-330 at Vandenberg offers schedule certainty and increased launch frequency that will be advantageous to our Terran 1 customers."

Vandenberg Air Force Base is the home of the 30th Space Wing, which manages the Department of Defense's space and missile testing, as well as satellite launches into polar and sun sync orbits from the West Coast. If approved, the B-330 launch site at Vandenberg will be capable of supporting Relativity's rocket, Terran 1, the world's first and only fully 3D printed rocket, as well as the company's future capabilities. Relativity's senior leadership team, drawn from both longtime aerospace companies and industry pioneers, has executed dozens of successful launches at Vandenberg.

"The 30th Space Wing takes great pride in supporting the next generation of leaders in space. We are impressed by Relativity's innovative approach to reinventing aerospace manufacturing via 3D metal printing and robotics paired with an executive team of seasoned aerospace leaders. We look forward to working with Relativity as its West Coast launch partner for many years to come," stated Colonel Anthony J. Mastalir, 30th Space Wing commander, Vandenberg Air Force Base.

Relativity continues to grow its customer manifest and public-private partnerships. This agreement represents yet another milestone that the company secured with federal, state, and local governments and agencies across the United States Government. A potential launch site at Vandenberg will be Relativity's latest addition to its portfolio of major infrastructure partnerships, which also include a launch site Right of Entry at Cape Canaveral Launch Complex-16 and an exclusive-use Commercial Space Launch Act (CSLA) agreement for NASA test sites E4 and E2 at the NASA Stennis Space Center.

posted 06-24-2020 10:36 AM               

Iridium Selects Relativity Space as On-Demand Single Satellite Launch Partner

Relativity Space today announced that Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: IRDM) has signed a launch contract to deliver satellites to orbit. The contract includes flexible timing for up to six dedicated launches to deploy Iridium's ground spare satellites to Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The launches will take place on an as-needed basis, determined by Iridium and utilizing Relativity's Terran 1, the world's first 3D printed launch vehicle. Launches are planned for no earlier than 2023.

The second-generation Iridium constellation was completed in January 2019 and consists of 66 operational satellites and 9 in-orbit spares. An additional six satellites were manufactured as ground spares and remain in storage. Should the need arise to launch a ground spare, Relativity's Terran 1 offers a cost-effective, efficient response time option for Iridium to quickly deploy a satellite to one of its six orbital planes. Relativity's disruptive large-scale robotic 3D printing technology enables launches within months, instead of years.

"The upgraded Iridium satellite constellation is operating incredibly well, but it's prudent to have a cost-effective launch option available for future spare delivery," said Matt Desch CEO of Iridium. "Relativity's Terran 1 fits our launch needs to LEO well from both a price, responsiveness and capability perspective. And we know based on our previous experience that there are great benefits to engaging with a provider early on during development of the launch vehicle and it evolving around our particular needs."

On June 24, 2020, Relativity also announced a Right of Entry Agreement with the United States Air Force, 30th Space Wing, for development of rocket launch facilities at Vandenberg Air Force Base. These launch site facilities will support flights to the polar orbits needed for the Iridium satellite constellation.

"Iridium offers critical communications over the planet's entire surface, and we are very proud to be their launch partner that supports this capability," said Tim Ellis, CEO and co-founder, Relativity Space. "As the first 3D printed launch vehicle, Terran 1 offers uniquely disruptive flexibility, cost, and performance advantages, especially for medium-payload missions that need dedicated launches."

Relativity continues to grow its customer manifest and public-private partnerships. This agreement is the fifth announced launch customer for Relativity, and the first to take advantage of the company's recently announced Right of Entry at Vandenberg Air Force Base. A potential launch site at Vandenberg is Relativity's latest addition to its portfolio of major infrastructure partnerships, which also include a launch site Right of Entry at Cape Canaveral Launch Complex-16 and an exclusive-use Commercial Space Launch Act (CSLA) agreement for NASA test sites E4 and E2 at the NASA Stennis Space Center.

posted 10-18-2022 12:57 PM               

New Agreement with NASA Puts Relativity Space on Path to Operate One of America's Largest Rocket Engine Test Facilities

Construction is Underway on New Test Complex at NASA's Stennis Space Center to Support Aeon R Engine Testing and Terran R Stage Testing

Relativity Space, the first company to 3D print rockets and build the largest metal 3D printers in the world, today detailed its plans to operate one of the largest rocket engine test facilities in the United States. Through an agreement with NASA, Relativity is significantly expanding its facilities and infrastructure at NASA's historic Stennis Space Center in Hancock County, Mississippi. The new facilities will support testing of Relativity's entirely 3D printed Aeon R engines for its fully reusable 3D printed rocket, Terran R.

Relativity will utilize over 150 additional acres within the Stennis Test Complex, with testing infrastructure for its Aeon R engines being built from the ground up on previously unutilized land north of the A and E Test Complexes. Relativity has begun ground clearing work for several new engine test stands, a full scale second stage stand, office buildings, and a vehicle hangar. The company is already underway testing Aeon R components across Relativity's E2 test complex, with plans to build the first Aeon R engine and turbopump assembly and begin thrust chamber assembly tests for its Aeon R engines in the coming months at a leased E1 test cell. Full Aeon R engine tests are tracking to occur in late 2023 at Relativity's newly announced facility expansions.

Relativity currently occupies several operational facilities at Stennis, which include four exclusive-use test stands in the E4 area used for Terran 1 stage testing and Aeon 1 engine testing, two exclusive-use stands in the E2 area used for Aeon 1 engine and Aeon R component tests, and one cell on the E1 test stand available through a Reimbursable Space Act Agreement for Aeon R engine tests. Additionally, Relativity has expanded into several buildings that house its rapidly growing team and test control operations. These facilities have enabled more than 2,000 engine tests, multiple successful mission duty cycles, and a fully-integrated stage testing of a 3D printed orbital flight article – which is not only a first for Relativity but for the entire aerospace manufacturing industry.

Relativity's partnership with NASA advances innovation, economic development, and job growth in the Gulf Coast, while also progressing the company's leadership in American aerospace development. Relativity will continue to invest in regional workforce development programs, university and education outreach, and community engagement initiatives.

"We're looking forward to writing some new history at Stennis through an incredibly large new expansion of development and test capabilities. We're honored to partner with NASA and are grateful for their support. We look forward to growing our Stennis-based team, who will be pivotal in our success of meeting many more first-ever milestones as we scale our Terran R program." - Relativity Space Cofounder and CEO, Tim Ellis

"The access to infrastructure in Mississippi is unparalleled. I look forward to working with NASA as the historic Stennis Space Center continues to evolve to support commercial space test programs and to attract and hire top talent as we build the future of aerospace manufacturing. We know the history of excellence at Stennis and take great pride in being able to repurpose existing infrastructure that has withstood the test of time. But we will also build brand new test stands in a place so central and vital to American aerospace innovation." — Relativity Space Vice President of Test and Launch, Don Kaderbek

"We welcome the growth of this valued partnership with Relativity Space," Stennis Space Center Director Dr. Rick Gilbrech said. "NASA is committed to working with commercial companies to help them achieve their space goals, and Stennis is a proven leader in enabling such partnerships. Since their arrival in the spring of 2018, Relativity Space has continued to grow as a respected member of the Stennis federal city. We look forward to their continued development as an aerospace manufacturing and launch company." — Stennis Space Center Director, Dr. Rick Gilbrech

"This expansion is proof that Mississippi's future as an aerospace hub is bright. I congratulate Relativity Space on their continued growth and their effort to bring quality jobs to our state. American leadership in space starts in Mississippi, and I expect many great things to come." - U.S. Senator, Roger Wicker (R-Miss.)

"Mississippi's Stennis Space Center precedes its reputation for excellence in rocket engine testing, and Relativity's growing presence will only further that reputation. I look forward to seeing what new aerospace innovations are brought about from this exciting expansion and partnership, as well as what new talent it will attract." - S. Senator, Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.)

posted 02-22-2023 01:08 PM               

Terran 1 First Launch

Relativity is scheduled for its first launch of Terran 1, called "GLHF" (Good Luck, Have Fun), from Launch Complex 16 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Our launch window opens at 1300 EST on March 8, 2023. This launch of Terran 1 is the first orbital attempt by Relativity and will not include a customer payload.

As a two-stage, 110 foot tall, 7.5 foot wide, expendable rocket, Terran 1 is the largest 3D printed object to exist and to attempt orbital flight. Working towards its goal of being 95 percent 3D printed, Relativity's first Terran 1 vehicle is 85 percent 3D printed by mass. Terran 1 has nine Aeon engines on its first stage, and one Aeon Vac on its second stage.

Like its structure, all Relativity engines are entirely 3D printed, and use liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid natural gas (LNG), which are not only the best for rocket propulsion, but also for reusability, and the easiest to eventually transition to methane on Mars.

posted 03-08-2023 02:52 PM               

Today's launch attempt for GLHF Terran 1 was scrubbed due to exceeding launch commit criteria limits for propellant thermal conditions on stage 2. The team is working diligently toward our next launch window in the coming days.

posted 03-08-2023 04:55 PM               

Relativity is scheduled for its second launch attempt of Terran 1, called "GLHF" (Good Luck, Have Fun), from Launch Complex 16 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Our launch window opens at 1:00 p.m. EST (1800 GMT) on March 11, 2023. This launch of Terran 1 will not include a customer payload.

posted 03-11-2023 03:25 PM               

A quick breakdown of the reasons for our aborts during terminal counts today:

During abort #1: It was a corner case in the stage separation automation a few seconds before T-0 that properly aborted at T .5 seconds.

Then, the team pushed an update to the vehicle automation, successfully recycled the vehicle, and secured a new T-0 time, which was an instantaneous window, given it was during the last minute of our launch window today at 16:00 ET.

During abort #2: At T-45 seconds, we had an automated abort on stage 2 fuel pressure, which was only one PSI low.

The team went hard today and we intend to do so during our next attempt. More to come on the new launch date and window soon.

posted 03-22-2023 08:09 PM               

Relativity is scheduled for its third launch attempt of Terran 1, called "GLHF" (Good Luck, Have Fun), from Launch Complex 16 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Our launch window opens at 2200ET on March 22, 2023.

posted 03-22-2023 10:56 PM               

Although we didn't reach orbit, we significantly exceeded our key objective for this first launch, and that objective was to gather data at Max-Q, one of the most demanding phases of flight, and achieve stage separation. Today's flight data will be invaluable to our team as we look to further improve our rockets, including Terran-R.