Relativity Space’s Terran 1, the first-ever 3D-printed rocket, is being retired after a single flight due to an anomaly during its debut test flight on March 22. The preliminary findings of the ongoing investigation suggest that the main valves of the upper stage’s Aeon engine opened more slowly than expected and the engine’s oxygen pump did not generate pressure as planned. Despite these issues, the rocket reached a maximum altitude of 83.2 miles, well above the Kármán line at 62 miles, where outer space begins. Relativity Space is now focusing on its bigger, more powerful Terran R rocket, which will be able to deliver up to 26 tons to low Earth orbit in reusable mode or 37 tons in expendable configuration. The company has modified the design of Terran R considerably, making it bigger and more powerful, with 13 Aeons in its first stage. The company is now targeting 2026 for the debut liftoff of Terran R.
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