Terran 1 is the largest 3D-printed object to exist
Relativity Space is an American aerospace manufacturing company that has recently launched the world's first 3D-printed rocket. Terran 1 is the largest 3D-printed object to exist and to attempt orbital flight. The rocket is fully reusable. It’s a major milestone for the startup company to inaugurate 3D printed Rocket.
The sad News is that the rocket didn’t reach orbit. However, it met the company's objective and made it through the ‘max q’ on March 22. The experiment is a huge step towards 3D technology used for aerospace and moving from traditional rocket building to 3D printing.
Recently, the famous youtube Channel Veritasium had a tour of the site and looked through 3D printing of the rocket and how the process goes through smoothly. Where he mentioned that the company aims to build the entire rocket with 3D printing.
Companies like Relativity have a higher aim of ultimately using Lunar and Martian dirt for building tools, infrastructure and spacecraft. Several companies are currently investigating the possibilities of using 3D printing technology in space.
Fleet Space, an Australian-based company, has already successfully developed and manufactured lightweight radio frequency antennas for use on satellites using this technology. Fleet Space plans to take it a step further next year, utilizing 3D printers half the size of a bus to produce an entirely 3D-printed satellite constellation named Alpha.
The company's CEO, Flavia Tata Nardini, points out that one of the significant advantages of 3D printing technology is that new versions of satellites and their components can be quickly upgraded and created in just 24 hours, without the need to source parts from a supply chain, which can take several months.
Despite the failed attempt, it was a big success for the company to be the first company to build a rocket using 3D printing and opening the door to the endless possibilities with the technology.
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