Relativity Space obtains FAA approval for the launch of its 3D-printed Terran 1 rocket.

The first launch of Relativity Space’s 3D-printed Terran 1 rocket is scheduled for March 8, 2023.
The Federal Aviation Administration has authorized the “Good Luck, Have Fun” (GLHF) test flight mission, and it will now launch from Cape Canaveral’s Launch Complex 16.

The current launch window for March 8 is from 13:00 to 16:00 ET.
Without a customer payload, it will be Relativity’s initial attempt at orbit.

According to Space News, the company has chosen to fly the Terran 1 rocket without performing the final static-fire test rather than subjecting the vehicle to additional wear and tear.

Through a $140 million Series C round in October 2019 and a $500 million Series D round in November 2020,

Relativity raised the money necessary to launch its Terran 1 rocket.

The two-stage Terran 1 rocket is 110 feet tall and 7.5 feet wide. According to Relativity,

it is both the largest object ever 3D printed and the largest to attempt orbital flight.
The rocket has nine Aeon engines in its first stage and one Aeon Vac in its second stage.

It is 85% mass-produced using 3D printing, with a target set at 95%.

Relativity has previously claimed that this rocket has 100 times fewer parts than a traditionally made rocket because of the inherent part consolidation capabilities of 3D printing.
Relativity unveiled the fourth iteration of its Stargate metal 3D printing technology in October 2022, which will be used to create the larger Terran R launch vehicle.

According to reports, the Terran R rocket can carry 20,000 kg into low Earth orbit and is fully reusable.